Published August 26, 2010
The overpowering theme of Parshat Ki Tavo is REWARD and PUNISHMENT. The message is not new to us from this sedra; we’ve been hearing variations on the theme throughout the Torah.
Back in Parshat R’ei, we are told about B’RACHA and K’LALA, blessing and curse. Specifically, we are told of the formal presentation the people will be receiving after entering the Land. In Ki Tavo, that topic is reviewed… in great detail.
Of course, even as we are reading about what will happen in the near future, the words cut as if we are hearing them today. This can be said about the generation that was poised on the threshold of Eretz Yisrael, but it can be said of every generation of Jews who read the yearly cycle of Torah.
The present and the future blur for that generation in Parshat Ki Tavo, as do two periods of the past from our perspective, and as they become the present for us, from deep into Elul, as the Yamim Nora’im get closer and closer.
In Ki Tavo, we have the list of “curses” that will be stated from Har Eival - but they are being stated right now, as well.
Then the focus comes back to the people’s present, as the blessings are described, and the curses are restated (differently).
And then the devastating barrage of the Tochacha. Second time this year, so to speak. B’chukotai was the other time. Heavy, depressing, oppressing description of what will happen if we don’t follow G-d. If we don’t keep His Torah and His Mitzvot.
And here is a sobering thought. One that we should spend time mulling over. Neither Tochacha would be necessary if we would just heed the daily warnings that we have.
Second passage of the Sh’ma. We say it every day. At least twice a day. It is written in every Mezuza and every pair of T’filin - both arm and head. It is much milder, less graphic than the big Tochacha.
If you indeed heed My commandments with which I charge you today, to love HaShem your God and worship Him with all your heart and with all your soul, I will give rain in your land in its season, the early and late rain; and you shall gather in your grain, wine and oil… Be careful lest your heart be tempted and you go astray and worship other gods, bowing down to them. Then HaShem’s anger will flare against you and He will close the heavens so that there will be no rain. The land will not yield its crops, and you will perish swiftly from the good land that HaShem is giving you.
Straightforward. Clear. If we - as a people and as individuals - would only take these words seriously. We would not need to be hit over the head with the harsh words of B’chukotai or Ki Tavo.
And this second passage of Sh’ma is by no means the only example of mild reproach. The Torah is filled with examples of G-d’s deal with us. Listen to G-d, keep the mitzvot, follow Him, be faithful to Him… and everything will be fine. Great, even. But if we don’t… then…
And there is more. Let’s go back to Parshat Yitro for a moment (and for only one of many examples). The people are preparing for Matan Torah. For Divine Revelation at Sinai.
Now if you obey Me and keep My covenant, you shall be My special treasure among all nations, even though all the world is Mine. You will be a kingdom of kohanim and a holy nation to Me.
Notice what’s not there? The flip side. The “but if you don’t”. There should not be a need for the flip side. Our motivation to follow and obey G-d should be “simply” that He asks us to.
No threats. No harsh warnings.
With a main motivation of AHAVAT HASHEM, Love of G-d, just telling us what to do would be enough for us to be fully Shomrei Torah and Mitzvot.
Obviously - and sadly - just asking does not seem to have been enough. We apparently need the flip side.
And, more sadly, a token negative reminder isn’t even enough. We need the klop on the head.
But is that enough? Threat of punish- ment should do the trick. Once again, sadly, the threat has not been shown to be enough. G-d has carried out the threats… time and again.
This then is (part of) our Elul challenge - make the Tochacha unnecessary.
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