Ki Tavo includes several themes as b'nai yisrael make final preparations for their life in Eretz Yisrael.

What We Missed:

* Ceremony of the Bikkurim/First Fruits: The Jews of antiquity were commanded to bring the first fruits of their harvest to Jerusalem as a special thanksgiving offering. Their arrival was marked by a special celebration, whereby even the future kings of Israel would await their presence. Upon arriving in the Temple precinct, the pilgrims would recite a series of verses; expressing appreciation for all the “hands” that contributed to the food which the farmers and their families enjoy.

What We Read:

* Tithes: In ancient Israel there were three tithes:

One tithe was for the landless Priests and Levites, who served as Israel's spiritual leaders. A second tithe was taken to Jerusalem for consumption. A third tithe was for the poor. The tithe reserved for the poor highlighted the role of tzedakah in the community and sensitized the people to the ills of poverty and suffering.

* Reaffirmation of the Covenant: Israel was to be a treasured people to God and a holy people to the world. All Jews were responsible for a moral and social code that could enlighten the world by virtue of righteous living.

* Beginning of the Tochechah: As b’nai yisrael are about to enter Canaan, they are warned about personal and communal responsibilities vital for Jewish survival. By honoring the social, moral and ritual commandments, the community of Israel will thrive in their land. However, failure to maintain these high standards will result in national disaster.

The blessings are a hopeful sign of future days:

Blessed you will be in the city
and blessed shall you be in the country
Blessed will be your basket and your kneading bowl
Blessed shall you be in our comings
and blessed shall you be in your goings

The words suggest economic prosperity, safe travels, and good fortune in whatever space (city/country) one occupies.

The warnings address national, rather than individual concerns. At first glance, you might find these warnings troublesome, and frightening. The language is direct, and the consequences of disobedience are very specific. Some might suggest that the consequences are cruel and insensitive. However, the Torah merely details the harsh realities of community failure. Israel must represent the highest ideals of moral and social living. By dishonoring a parent, worshipping a foreign god, committing sexual immoralities, or violating laws meant to protect all citizens (such as the stranger, the parentless and the widow), Israel would severely compromise its individual and national character. Such violations would lead to the consequences detailed in the latter section of the Torah portion:

Poor reputation among the nations
Destruction of the environment
Enslavement to other people
Spiritual and moral blindness

In modern times, our own moral and spiritual failures result in dire consequences. Despite material comforts, we still seek an elusive happiness, struggle to keep our families intact, abuse our environment, and dishonor one another in work and at home. Very often, our personal and communal character does help determine the nature and direction of our lives. In the recent past, reports have been issued detailing sexual abuse among clergy.The very people entrusted with the spiritual and ethical lives of the community, committed the most egregious and despicable violations of that trust. How can we expect our world to live with moral character if their religious leaders cannot do so?

The responsibility for maintaining a strong character rests solely upon our shoulders. The Torah, therefore, offers conditional warnings: Only by conducting our lives with a sense of holiness and integrity will we bring honor upon ourselves and our nation.

Haftorah Reading: Isaiah 60:1-22 (pages 1161-1164)

The Isaiah portion we read today is the sixth in a series of consoling messages that follow Tisha B’av, the day commemorating Jerusalem's destruction in biblical and Talmudic times. The Haftorah begins with optimism:

ARISE, SHINE, FOR YOUR LIGHT HAS COME.

Following a bitter period of exile and devastation, Israel will revive herself as a stronger, moral nation. From Isaiah we learn to fight against despair, to correct our mistakes and to emerge with greater confidence and ethical resolve.