Hope

Ki Tavo

Deut. 26:1-29:8

 

Précis: The parasha contains numerous religious mandates regarding the formation of a civil and moral community (including tithes of first fruits and tithes to support the Levites). The People are promised that if they follow God’s instructions, they will be transformed into a “holy people.” They are further instructed that they have a choice in their own destiny: there are blessings and curses (the “Admonition”), and they must choose between the two, and take the consequences. The parasha ends with Moses reminding the People about all that God had done for them in bringing them from Egypt, providing sustenance, defeating their foes, and giving them the Land.

 

Deut. 28:67 “In the morning you will say, ‘Would that it were evening,’ and in the evening you will say, ‘Would that it were morning,’ from your heart’s fright with which you will be afraid…”

            Near the conclusion of the Admonition (tochacha) we find this terrible curse. It means to live in constant fear, and a loss of all hope.

            This year, we have plenty to fear: the ongoing struggle Israel faces against Hamas and other Iranian proxies, an American election which may determine the fate of our cherished democracy, and a climate crisis which seems to worsen every month.

            The fear mongers of social media fan these fears relentlessly. Where can we find the hope to overcome our fear?

            I believe hope can be found in small acts of kindness. I believe hope can be found in the restoration of a seriously ill person to health. I believe hope can be found in community. I believe that hope can be found through love.