Parashat-Ki-Tavo-Study

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Tanakh versions:

Throughout this site I may use any of the following three versions of the TaNaKh1.Jewish Publication Society (JPS-1917), 2. Mechon-Mamre.org” (MEC), and 3. “Sefaria.org (SEF).

Colour coded details of the - TaNaKh:

1. Torah = History & Law, 2. Nevi’im = The Prophets. 3. *Ketuvim = all other Writings.

*The Ketuvim - Includes, Poetical books - Psalms, Proverbs, Job, the Megillot, or Scrolls - Song of Solomon, Ruth, Lamentations of Jeremiah, Ecclesiastes, and Esther, prophecy of Daniel, and history of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Chronicles I & II.

Please Note: Some alterations or (additions) have been made relating to ‘Names’ and ‘Attributes’ having been corrected like it once was pre the now “Masoretic Text”.

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Remember the following two truth’s from our beloved Scriptures!

Ye shall NOT ADD TO THE WORD which I command you, NEITHER SHALL YE DIMINISH FROM IT, that ye may keep the commandments of יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם - the LORD your Eloleichem, which I command you”. Davarim - Deuteronomy 4:2. (JPS-1917).

Remember We are Never Alone!

Davarim - Deuteronomy Chapter 31, verse 6..

JPS-1917 version of the Torah.

חִזְקוּ וְאִמְצוּ, אַל-תִּירְאוּ וְאַל-תַּעַרְצוּ מִפְּנֵיהֶם: כִּי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ, הוּא הַהֹלֵךְ עִמָּךְ-לֹא יַרְפְּךָ, וְלֹא יַעַזְבֶךָּ

Be strong and of good courage, fear not, nor be affrighted at them; for יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ - the LORD thy Eloheycha (God), He it is that doth go with thee; He will not fail thee, nor forsake thee’”.

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 “Parashat Ki Tavo Study”

Ki-Tavo - “when thou comest in”.

With Rabbi, Dr. Reuven Ben Avraham-Goossens, PhD.

 

 

Before commencing this study, We will now read verses 15-19, and 47: (JPS-1917 version of the Torah).

15. “But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ - the LORD thy Eloheycha (Elohim), to observe to do all His commandments and His statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee

16. Cursed shalt thou be in the city, and cursed shalt thou be in the field.

17. Cursed shall be thy basket and thy kneading-trough.

18. Cursed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy land, the increase of thy kine, and the young of thy flock.

19. Cursed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and cursed shalt thou be when thou goest out”. Davarim (Deut) 28:15-19.

Also ...

47. “Because thou didst not serve יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ - the LORD Eloheycha, with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart, by reason of the abundance of all things”. Davarim - Deuteronomy; 28:47.

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After a lengthy litany of frightening curses, the Torah states a reason for these punishments as per the reading above, is due to a lack of joy on our part in serving יְהוָה - the LORD.

The Torah seems to be emphasizing that joy is a primary obligation. Thus, let us take a moment and reflect on this statement. Is it really possible to remain happy with so much suffering around the world? We may think that to ignore the pain of others is callous and insensitive. Apparently, there is a deeper understanding of the meaning of joy and its relationship to the faithful in this world.

First and foremost, we must understand that the greatest gift granted to us by the Almighty is the gift of life. Being alive is the fundamental reason for expressing joy, regardless of the negative experiences one may encounter. Life is an opportunity for growth and that in itself has the ultimate value. Life is everything: without life, one has nothing. We are placed on this world for a purpose: to serve יְהוָה - the LORD, and through faith and obedience to His Torah, we receive ultimate happiness in the days to come, and this should be a constant source of joy. The mitzvah to be happy is the knowledge that our sojourn on this world is to serve יְהוָה - the LORD, and this is the means of achieving ultimate pleasure and joy. The error of many is that they think “once saved always saved.” No, it is an ongoing walk in faith and following יְהוָה will, being the Torah!

Regrettably, many of us realize too late the value of the gift of life. It is only when our lives hang in the balance, when one almost loses life and then miraculously gains it back, that he or she discovers the wonderful opportunity that they have had. We become complacent with what we are accustomed to having. Familiarity breeds neglect and a lack of appreciation. When that complacency is shaken, one quickly awakens from their slumber.

Let us go a step further in understanding the Torah's demand for joy. Upon carefully perusing the text, one gains a powerful insight into this mitzvah. The Torah does not say that we must be constantly be happy, and that we must always walk around with a smile on our face, regardless of our mood or the circumstances with which we are confronted. The Torah does not say that we must live in happiness; the Torah says that we must serve יְהוָה amid joy. Serving Him has to be performed with happiness. It should be our reason for ecstasy. The source of joy is the ability and opportunity to carry out יְהוָה’s commands, to be His servant. The pain does not hurt; the work is not difficult, because it is for יְהוָה. This is the true meaning of joy!

We worry when we lose sight of where we are and who guides us. If we would take into account that everything in our lives is directed by the Almighty, we would not worry. A secular author once told the story of a ship at sea during a fierce storm. The passengers were in great distress. After a while, one of them, against captain’s orders, ascended to the deck and made his way to the pilot. The seaman was at this post, calmly carrying out his function at the wheel. When he saw that the passenger was agitated, he gave him a big, reassuring smile. The man then returned to the other passengers with the following words of comfort, "I have seen the face of the pilot, and he smiled. All is well."

It is all in the attitude. If one realizes that the challenges he encounters in life are directed by יְהוָה and that He will be with him throughout the ordeal, and he will view the situation through a different prism. The opportunity to live and serve יְהוָה should be our ultimate source of joy, which must give us the desire to follow יְהוָה’s directions such as those contained in verses 1 to 14, which results in blessings.

יְהוָה - the LORD, will send a blessing on your barns and on everything you put your hand to”. Davarim - Deuteronomy; 28:8.

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Please Note: “hebraicstudies” links are located down the page!

This site was originally created, for those who desired to return to our blessed and wonderful faith. Thus be wise and work on your faith and pray at least two or three times a day (if possible) and always seek our beloved אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s guidance, for His love is always with us, especially when we seek Him, blessed be He! However this site has become very much a teaching site with hundreds of studies!

Remember what אֱלֹהִים - Elohim, blessed be He, said the following via several of our prophets...

Return unto Me, and I will return unto you, saith צְבָאוֹת- יְהוָה- the LORD of hosts”. Mal’a’chi - Malachi 3:7. (JPS).

And Remember ...

Enjoy your Sabbath Rest, Shabbat Shalom!

אֲנִי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶםבְּחֻקּוֹתַי לֵכוּוְאֶת-מִשְׁפָּטַי שִׁמְרוּוַעֲשׂוּ אוֹתָם

וְאֶת-שַׁבְּתוֹתַיקַדֵּשׁוּוְהָיוּ לְאוֹתבֵּינִי וּבֵינֵיכֶם-לָדַעַתכִּי אֲנִי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם

I am אֱלֹהֵיכֶם יְהוָה - the LORD your Eloheichem; walk in My statutes, and keep Mine ordinances, and do them; and hallow My Sabbaths, and they shall be a sign between Me and you, that ye may know that I am אֱלֹהֵיכֶם יְהוָה - the LORD your Eloheichem”. Yechezkel - Ezekiel 20:19-20. (JPS).

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“Hebraic Studies” motto is as follows;

“The More Torah, the More Life”

For אֱלֹהִים יְהוָה - the LORD Elohim, Blessed be His Sanctified Name,

He is the one who gave us our Life!

May the שָׁלוֹם - Shalom = Peace of צְבָאוֹת- יְהוָה= the LORD of hosts. be with you, and please always uphold our blessed שַׁבָּת - Shabbat, as well as the מוֹעֲדִים - Mo’a’dim - Feasts, and continue saying your daily תְּפִלָּה - Tefeelah’s (Prayers) and regular בְּרָכָה - Be’ra’chah’s (blessings) before food and drinks, etc!

שָׁלוֹם עֲלֵיכֶם - Shalom Aleichem - Peace be with you!

Rabbi, Dr. Reuven Ben Avraham-Goossens, PhD.

 

 

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