Thread by @GREENESJ333

SHABBAT SHALOM

Parshat Ki Tavo
Deuteronomy 26:1–29:8

PARSHAT KI TAVO, like much of Torah, operates on several levels.
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On one level, the literal surface, it gives instructions, but then looks deeper & it communicates how the performance of Mitzvoth creates sociological & psychological civilizing & humanizing consequences in the creation & continuation of a moral nation & relates to HaShem.
2)

Moses instructs the people of Israel: When you enter the land that G‑d is giving to you as your eternal heritage, & you settle it & cultivate it, bring the first-ripened fruits (bikkurim) of your orchard to the Holy Temple,
3)

and declare your gratitude for all that G‑d has done for you.

What does this mean below the surface?
4)

It means the creation of a society that understands deferred gratification, which is a key element in building a future-oriented and moral nation in contrast to a people who is narcissistic and cares only about instant self-gratification today.
5)

And Parshat Ki Tavo shows the choices the people have — between complying with the teachings of Torah with those leading to a positive, high quality of life society and what can happen if the teachings of Torah are ignored...
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- an account of the bad things—illness, famine, poverty and exile—that shall befall them if they abandon the real-life adult lessons Torah
6)

Finally, Moses tells the people that only today, forty years after their birth as a people, have they attained “a heart to know, eyes to see and ears to hear.”

Now, what does that mean?
7)

It means that after 40 years of isolation, education, and a change of generational leadership, the people finally could think, act, and be, a mature nation that does not look over its shoulder at Egypt or any other nation for approval, for validation.
8)

Can we really say we are anywhere near that state of cultural maturity and confidence today?
9)

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--Written by Roger Froikin @?elefraim
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