Nitzavim-Vayeilech Deuteronomy 29:9-30:20 & 31:1-30 As the Five Books of the Torah approach their triumphant conclusion, Moses prophesies that the very Land of Israel itself will teach a stark lesson both to Israel and also to all the people of the world: Lest there be among you a man or woman or family or tribe whose heart turns away today from HaShem our God to go to serve the gods of those nations… and when he hears the words of this curse, he will bless himself in his heart, saying: ‘I...

KI TAVO, Deuteronomy 26:1-29:8 In the portion of KI TAVO Moses completes his exposition of the commandments of the Torah, after which he launches into his final reproofs to Israel prior to leaving the life of this world. Almost the last of the commandments given in the Torah are set forth in our portion: (1) Thanksgiving over presenting the First Fruits to the priest in the Temple (Deut. 26:1-11), where we acknowledge G-d for blessing the work of our hands. (2) The Declaration over having given...