Parsha Ki Tavo – כִּי-תָבוֹא Torah Summary:

The Israelites are instructed to express their gratitude to God for their bountiful harvests and freedom from slavery by tithing ten percent of their crops for the Levite, the stranger, the orphan, and the widow. (26) The people are told to display on large stones God’s commandments for all to see. (27:1-8) The Levites are to proclaim curses upon those who violate God’s commandments. (27:15-26) The Israelites are told that if they obey God’s mitzvot faithfully, they will receive every blessing imaginable. They are also told that if they do not fulfill their brit with God, many curses will descend upon them. (28:1-69) Moses reminds the Israelites of the miracles they witnessed in the wilderness and commands them to observe the terms of the covenant so that they may succeed in all that they undertake. (29:1-8) Ki Tavo – כִּי-תָבוֹא Moses summoned all Israel and said to them: “You have seen all that Adonai has done…I led you through the wilderness forty years, your clothing did not wear out, nor did the sandals on your feet…that you might know that I, Adonai am your God.” (Deuteronomy 29:1-5). As we live our lives, it can sometimes be difficult to take a moment to stop and recognize all the gifts and miracles that happen every day. As our ancestors wandered through the desert together, they faced hardship after hardship. As we near the end of the last book of the Torah, we get a reminder that despite it all, it was a miracle that they survived, thrived, and created their identity as a People. Our ancestors witnessed miracles and as a result, they became a miracle. This Shabbat, it is my prayer that we can take the time to reflect on the miracles in our own lives and recognize that we, ourselves, are miracles. Shabbat Shalom!