Blessings and Curses: Lessons from Mount Grizim

Torah Daily: Daily Doses of Divine Guidance on the Parsha

In this week's portion from Kitavo, we encounter a profound moment as the Jewish people prepare to cross the Jordan River into the Promised Land. Moshe commands that blessings be invoked for those who keep the commandments, while curses are pronounced for those who do not. This pivotal ritual takes place on two mountains: Mount Grizim, where six tribes ascend to proclaim blessings, and Mount Ebal, where another six tribes declare curses. The Levites, a select group, stand in the middle, reciting both blessings and curses, emphasizing the significance of moral responsibility. The eleven commandments highlighted reflect sins often hidden from view, revealing the complexities of human behavior and the choices we face. This portion serves as a reminder of the duality of our actions and the importance of striving for righteousness in our lives.