Debarim 26:1–29:8
This week’s parashah is titled Ki Tabo (“When you shall come…”).
Our teacher Moshe, peace be upon him, is standing before the people in the land of Moab, giving his final speech before his death. Half of the tribes stand on Mount ‘Ebal and the other half on the opposite side, on Mount Gerizim. The tribe of Lewí serves as the mediator. Those standing on Mount Gerizim proclaim the curses, while those on Mount ‘Ebal respond amen—and vice versa.
After this, Moshe reminds the new generation of all the blessings that come as a result of keeping the commandments, judgments, and statutes of the Torah. On the other hand, if they do not keep the Torah, curses will come upon the entire people. From here we learn that the people of Israel are one unit, and that the Eternal, blessed be He, considers them as a single entity and not merely as individuals.
The perasháh receives its name because of the miṣwáh of the ma’aserot (tithes) of the third year, which were to be brought to Jerusalem for the poor (converts, widows, orphans, and Levites). When bringing the offerings, it was necessary to make a declaration that mentions the Aramean, Laban, who oppressed our father Ya’aqob, peace be upon him. This declaration serves to remind the Israelite of his origins. ADONAY, blessed be He, chose the people of Israel not because they were the most significant or the wisest, but out of love for the patriarchs who fulfilled His commandments with integrity.
The Sages say in Pirqué Aboth:
“Reflect upon three things and you will not come into sin—know from where you came, to where you are going, and before Whom you will give an account. From where did you come? From a putrid drop. To where are you going? To a place of worms. And before Whom will you give an account? Before the King of Kings, the Holy One, blessed be He.”
Our teacher Moshe reminds the children of those who perished in the desert:
“You saw all that ADONAY did before your eyes in the land of Egypt, to Pharaoh, to all his servants, and to all his land.”
If you desire the blessings of the Torah, it is necessary to daily and continuously remember the exodus from Egypt. Many people live life without a purpose, like ships lost at sea. And now I ask you: From where did you come? To where are you going?