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YIP Parsha Project Parshat Ki Tavo

09/11/2014 02:45:29 PM

Sep11

YIP Parsha Project

 

Ki Tavo                                                                                   Gayle Neumann

 

Parsha Summary:

It is in this Parsha that Moshe continues his parting words to Bnei Yisrael.  He is nearing the end of his life, and preparing  Bnei Yisrael to enter the land of Israel. The mitzvah of bikurim is given.  The first fruits of the harvest are brought to Yerushalyim during the period between Shavuot and Sukkot.  They are given as a gift to a Kohen.  Moshe and the Zekenim (wise men) are also instructed to inscribe the mitzvot on slabs of rock and place them on Mount Eival. These slabs were intended to remind Bnei Yisrael of their commitment to the Torah.  Moshe informs Bnei Yisrael of the curses they will receive if they do not follow the mitzvot.

Torah Thoughts: 

It is in the third Aliyah that Moshe urges Bnei Yisrael to observe the mitzvot "with all their heart and with all their soul."

Rashi illuminates for us the importance of thinking of Torah as fresh and exciting, as if it had been given today. 

We should stop and take this in:  it is so poignant:  Moshe's life is drawing to an end.  He is not saying "Remember Me"!  He is saying to Bnei Yisrael that although he will not be there to lead them, Hashem will always be there.  The Torah is Hashem's gift, or his love letters if you will - to his treasured people.

So while we read this historically, and feel the sadness that Moshe will not be going into the land with his people, we are given eternal hope at the same time. "You have distinguished Hashem today....and Hashem has distinguished you today to be for him a treasured people."  What a love story!!  It doesn't get better than this. So we are to understand that his covenant with us and love for us is timeless. We read this not just historically - but presently... Hashem is here with us and the Torah is his gift to us - to guide us through life.  It is our instruction manual!  It follows that in order for us to live and thrive in Eretz Yisrael, we must assume ownership of our birthright by fulfilling the mitzvot that Hashem so lovingly gave to us and continues to give!

Shabbat Shalom.

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Fri, March 29 2024 19 Adar II 5784