Parshat Ki Tavo: Parshah Resources

Blessing

God's blessing can be drawn down only into something that is concealed from the eye. The source of this teaching of the sages is found In this week's Torah reading. In effect there are three different opinions on how to define concealment. Using principles of the inner teachings of the Torah, Rabbi Ginsburgh analyzes these three opinions, explaining how they differ and how all three are referring to the source of the Jewish people's mazal–Divine effluence: the nothingness that is the sefirah of crown.

Added: 17 Elul 5771 | 16 Sept. 2011

The Secret of the Alter at Mt. Eval

Mount Eval is the mountain of curse. Concealed in the deep significance of the altar built there, though, we understand that Mount Eval is a source of joy. What is it about Mount Eval that transforms it from a barren mountain to the concealed potential of the Tree of Life? In this audio meditation on the Torah portion of Ki Tavo, Rabbi Ginsburgh delves into the deep significance of the miraculous altar on Mount Eval and how this image reflects the epitome of our service of God and its resulting joy.Click here to read the full article.

A Holy Nation

The concept of holiness is central in the Torah, but here it appears in what is a unique context. First, we need to take note of the verb, “God will elevate you” (יְקִימְךָ הוי’), which is reminiscent of the phrase at the end of the blessings inParashat Bechukotai: “And I will lead you erect,” (וָאוֹלֵךְ אֶתְכֶם קוֹמֲמִיּוּת). Here too we can interpret the blessing to mean that one of the qualities of a holy people is to take a stately and upright stance which itself instills fear in our enemies, making them afraid to harm us.