Podcasts about Ki Tavo

What happens when the Bible comes back to life in the Land of Israel? In this powerful Land of Israel Fellowship from the hills of Judea, Jeremy Gimpel visits a young family living, shepherding, and raising their children in the biblical heartland. He also takes us to Carmel, connected to the stories of King David, Naval, and Avigail. Ari Abramowitz shares a moving story from a Judean synagogue about a 14-year-old boy reading the Tochacha in Parshat Ki Tavo, revealing a deeper lesson about serving Hashem with joy. The episode also explores Prophets of Israel Daily and Jeremy's vision for Rooted: The Next Generation—a community raising young adults who love Torah, Israel, and the Jewish people and are ready to lead. From the Judean desert to the next generation, this is a story of Torah, roots, redemption, and the Bible coming alive in the Land of Israel.

Ki Tavo (Midrash Only) | Deuteronomy 26:1 - 29:9 | MTOI Torah Study

Ki Tavo offers a theology of reward and punishment, of cause and effect, but lived experience teaches us that the world does not work so neatly. What becomes possible when we read the parashah forwards and backwards, not only as protest against injustice, but also as a guide to rebuilding a shattered world?

You can download the notes here:https://esm.us/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/08.29.26-Congregational-Notes.pdf___________________________________Website: esm.usPastor Mark BiltzMission Statement: (https://esm.us/about/)El Shaddai Ministries exists to take Torah to the nations by restoring the Biblical and historical perspectives that have been lost over the last 2000 years, uncovering replacement theology, and healing our Christian-Jewish relationships.Statement of Beliefs:https://tinyurl.com/4ks6eznu

These classes teach the day's section of the weekly Torah portion. The lesson is taught using the original Hebrew text with the indispensable commentary of Rashi—both translated and elucidated so that anyone can follow along.

Blessings For Obedience, Cursing's for Apostasy - Torah Portion - Ki Tavo: (Deuteronomy 26–29:9) by Shawn Ozbun

These classes teach the day's section of the weekly Torah portion. The lesson is taught using the original Hebrew text with the indispensable commentary of Rashi—both translated and elucidated so that anyone can follow along.

An IDF social media video appeared to advise ultra-Orthodox Israelis facing military draft enforcement on how to avoid arrest at Ben Gurion Airport — and it was quickly deleted. In this episode of Israel Daily News, Shanna Fuld breaks down the controversy surrounding the now-deleted IDF video ahead of the annual Rosh Hashanah pilgrimage to Uman, Ukraine. The video reportedly used an AI character called “Dudy the Explainer” to explain how draft evaders could avoid being detained at the airport. The controversy comes as Israel's long-running battle over Haredi military service intensifies and new legislation has left some pilgrimage-bound Israelis facing draft-evader status. Shanna also examines the growing security tensions in Judea and Samaria, including the strategic significance of the proposed E1 settlement expansion, British pressure over Israeli settlements, and warnings about settler violence. Meanwhile, election season is heating up. Gadi Eisenkot is calling a two-state solution “delusional” following October 7th while simultaneously criticizing the E1 expansion as a strategic mistake. He also takes aim at Ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir over settler violence. The episode also looks back at the 2014 Gaza war, including reports of secret direct back-channel contacts between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas through intermediary Shlomi Fogel — contacts that Netanyahu's office and Fogel have denied. Plus, Shanna speaks about Tal Goldstein-Almog, a young survivor of Hamas captivity, and highlights his interview with Australian journalist Erin Molan. And in a cultural tribute, Shanna remembers Dolly Parton and the extraordinary impact of her Imagination Library, including its connection to PJ Library and Israel's Sifriyat Pijama program. The episode also remembers Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, including her acclaimed 2021 exhibition at the Tel Aviv Museum of Art. Finally, Rabbi Yossi Madvig explores this week's Torah portion, Ki Tavo, discussing light and darkness, the Messianic era, and the difference between the afterlife and the “world to come.” In this episode: • The controversial IDF video for draft evaders • Why the IDF deleted the video • The Haredi military draft crisis • The Rosh Hashanah pilgrimage to Uman • Airport enforcement and draft evaders • Rising tensions in Judea and Samaria • The E1 settlement expansion plan • British pressure over Israeli settlements • Gadi Eisenkot's election campaign • Israel's upcoming elections • IDF operations against October 7th attackers • Tal Goldstein-Almog and his experience in captivity • Reports of secret Netanyahu-Hamas contacts in 2014 • Israel Daily News' independent journalism • Rosh Hashanah gifts from Israeli artists • Dolly Parton's global legacy and PJ Library • Yayoi Kusama's legacy in Israel • Torah thought with Rabbi Yossi Madvig Support independent journalism: Israel Daily News is independently produced and does not work for the Israeli government. Your support helps us continue reporting on Israel and the region. Visit israeldailynews.org to make a one-time or monthly donation. Subscribe to Israel Daily News on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and sign up for the Israel Weekly News newsletter for the top stories from Israel each week. Israel Daily News website: https://israeldailynews.org YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@israeldailynews Israel Daily News Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/shannafuld Support our Wartime News Coverage: https://www.gofundme.com/f/independent-journalist-covering-israels-war Links to all things IDN: https://linktr.ee/israeldailynews Timestamps 00:00 IDF Video Advises Draft Evaders Ahead of Uman Pilgrimage01:00 The Deleted “Dudy the Explainer” Video02:00 Why the IDF Post Was Removed03:00 How Draft Evaders Are Caught at the Airport04:00 Rising Tensions in Judea & Samaria05:00 The E1 Settlement Expansion Plan06:00 Israel Responds to British Sanctions07:00 Gadi Eisenkot Rejects Two-State Solution08:00 Eisenkot Takes Aim at Smotrich & Ben-Gvir09:00 IDF Kills October 7th Attackers in Gaza10:00 Tal Goldstein-Almog's Story of Captivity11:00 Secret Netanyahu-Hamas Talks?12:00 What Happened During the 2014 Back Channel13:00 Supporting Independent Journalism14:00 Rosh Hashanah Gifts From Israeli Artists15:00 Remembering Dolly Parton16:00 Dolly Parton's Imagination Library & PJ Library17:00 Sifriyat Pijama & Dolly's Global Impact18:00 Remembering Yayoi Kusama19:00 Kusama's Legacy in Israel20:00 Her 2021 Tel Aviv Exhibition21:00 Torah Thought: Ki Tavo22:00 Rising Above the Darkness23:00 The Afterlife vs. the World to Come24:00 The Messianic Paradox25:00 Sign-Off & Shabbat Shalom #Israel #IsraelNews #IDF #IsraeliPolitics #IsraelPolitics #HarediDraft #DraftCrisis #Uman #RoshHashanah #JudeaAndSamaria #WestBank #E1 #Gaza #Hamas #Netanyahu #GadiEisenkot #October7 #IsraelDefenseForces #MiddleEast #DollyParton #YayoiKusama #IsraelDailyNews #IsraelDailyNewsPodcast #BreakingNews Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

These classes teach the day's section of the weekly Torah portion. The lesson is taught using the original Hebrew text with the indispensable commentary of Rashi—both translated and elucidated so that anyone can follow along.

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: What should our focus be during these days of Elul? What makes Elul unique? Is Elul initiated from below (Ani L'Dodi) or from above (the king in the field)? (follow-up) How do we create vessels for G-d's blessings this time of the year? If the king is in the field during Elul, where does that leave us the rest of the year? Is G-d more present during this time of the year? I've had a very difficult year... What more can I do to ensure that the thirteen attributes of compassion manifest in my life? Since G-d does all the mitzvos he commands us to do, how does He perform the mitzva of teshuva? Can we say that this is like tzaddikim doing teshuva? How can we say that G-d “regrets” anything? Why does a Baal Teshuva reach higher than a Tzaddik? Why are there no Shoftim maamorim in Likkutei Torah? Can we bless someone with a happy new year over the phone? Should they answer amen? What is the power of answering amen? Is the blessing valid and does it work even without answering amen? What lessons do we learn from living with the times, with this week's Torah parsha? What is the significance of “Tavo” and the mitzva of the first fruit offering (bikurim) What do we know about the stones upon which the Torah was inscribed?  How do we possibly explain the hidden blessing in child cannibalism?! Why did the Rebbe tell us to celebrate and be extra joyous on the Frierdiker rebbes wedding anniversary? Ki Tavo 13 Elul G-d leading our footsteps when we travel on vacation (follow-up) Are we allowed to pray for others without their knowledge and consent? 

These classes teach the day's section of the weekly Torah portion. The lesson is taught using the original Hebrew text with the indispensable commentary of Rashi—both translated and elucidated so that anyone can follow along.

Welcome to Rabbi Sacks' commentary on the weekly Torah portion. Covenant & Conversation examines the ethics and wisdom we can derive from the Torah, week-by-week, parsha by parsha. Follow along with the full article, written and recorded by Rabbi Sacks in 2011, here: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/ki-tavo/freedom-means-telling-the-story/ This week our FEATURED ARTICLE on Ki Tavo (written by Rabbi Sacks in 2013) is available to read, print, and share, by visiting: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/ki-tavo/a-sense-of-history/ The new FAMILY EDITION is now also available: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation-family-edition/ki-tavo/a-sense-of-history/ For additional articles, translations, videos, and other material from Rabbi Sacks, please visit www.RabbiSacks.org and follow @RabbiSacks. _________________________ With thanks to the Schimmel Family for their generous sponsorship of Covenant & Conversation, dedicated in loving memory of Harry (Chaim) Schimmel. _________________________

These classes teach the day's section of the weekly Torah portion. The lesson is taught using the original Hebrew text with the indispensable commentary of Rashi—both translated and elucidated so that anyone can follow along.

These classes teach the day's section of the weekly Torah portion. The lesson is taught using the original Hebrew text with the indispensable commentary of Rashi—both translated and elucidated so that anyone can follow along.

According to the Zohar on Parashat Ki-Tevo, we are already in the midst of the period called "The End of Days." Our way to deal with the enormous pressures that are exerted on each of us, from all directions, is found here in the Parashah. Why is 'Teshuvah', as the Zohar explains it, the best way, not only to survive, but to win in a big way? How does this relate to the work of the heart? This is what will decide the how will we get through the coming years and how will we deal with so many challenges. For a short reading about this Parashah: https://livekabbalah.org/ki-tavo Join our course program: https://livekabbalah.org/live-kabbalah-courses Join our Zoom Program: https://livekabbalah.org/weekly-zohar-tree-of-life-study-live Support our efforts to provide you with more materials, donate to Live Kabbalah: https://livekabbalah.org/donations

These classes teach the day's section of the weekly Torah portion. The lesson is taught using the original Hebrew text with the indispensable commentary of Rashi—both translated and elucidated so that anyone can follow along.

These classes teach the day's section of the weekly Torah portion. The lesson is taught using the original Hebrew text with the indispensable commentary of Rashi—both translated and elucidated so that anyone can follow along.

How much of our responsibility belongs to us alone? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Dr. Daniel Reifman explore Parshat Iand the covenantal ceremony at Har Gerizim and Har Eval. Comparing it with Sinai, they ask how Torah balances individual choice with collective responsibility. What changes when the people become active participants in the covenant, and what might that teach us about shared identity and obligation in a polarized world?

These classes teach the day's section of the weekly Torah portion. The lesson is taught using the original Hebrew text with the indispensable commentary of Rashi—both translated and elucidated so that anyone can follow along.

These classes teach the day's section of the weekly Torah portion. The lesson is taught using the original Hebrew text with the indispensable commentary of Rashi—both translated and elucidated so that anyone can follow along.

YMTOI Parsha Pearls Song for Ki Tavo 50.2 – Be Strong and Courageous

This sicha discusses the offering of the Bikkurim, the first fruits, by the Israelites upon entering the Land of Israel. The Rebbe explores the connection between this commandment and the future redemption, emphasizing how Bikkurim serve as a symbol of gratitude and recognition of Hashem's blessings. https://www.torahrecordings.com/likutei-sichos/002/017_003

By Rabbi Josh WanderThere is a painful and uncomfortable reality that we rarely speak about publicly:Nearly one million Israelis have left Eretz Yisrael to live in the Diaspora.Not because of pogroms.Not because of famine.Not because they were expelled.They chose to leave.They walked away from the one thing that generations before us would have given their lives for: the privilege of living in the Land of Israel.And this can only happen in a vacuum — a vacuum of education, a vacuum of emunah, and a vacuum of understanding the true value of Eretz Yisrael. When someone does not know what something is worth, it becomes very easy to trade away.Creatures of Comfort, Prisoners of ExileMany of these Israelis are “successful” abroad. They live in modern suburbs, earn comfortable salaries, eat in kosher restaurants, and send their children to schools with Hebrew signs on the walls.Some are even “religious.”But spiritually, they have moved from Geula (redemption) to Galut (exile).From light to darkness.From open skies to a tunnel.Choosing exile over Israel is like voluntarily crawling into the spiritual equivalent of a Hamas tunnel — darkness, disorientation, disconnection.It is a self-imposed spiritual prison.They convince themselves that their “spirituality is more uplifting” in New York, Miami, or Los Angeles.What a perversion.How twisted our values have become that we equate kosher supermarkets, valet parking, and kiddush clubs with spirituality.Do We Know Better Than Hashem?Let's ask the only question that matters:If Avraham Avinu and Sara Imeinu were told by Hashem to leave Charan and move to Canaan, would they respond:“Actually, Hashem, our ruchniyut is better here. The housing market is cheaper and the shuls are more comfortable”?Absurd.Yet today, many Jews speak this way.Not explicitly — but this is the core of their argument:“I know Hashem said Eretz Yisrael is our home,but I know better what's best for me and my family.”Chutzpah.Ignorance.Hashem gave us 613 mitzvot. Nearly one-third can only be performed in the Land. How can a thinking, believing Jew read the Torah and still say:“It's better for my neshamah to stay in exile.”The Intellectual Justifications and the Halachic AcrobaticsOf course, excuses always need footnotes.So we hear:* “The Satmar Shitta says the Three Oaths forbid returning before Moshiach.”* “Rav Moshe Feinstein wrote that aliyah isn't obligatory today.”* “Tosafot says due to danger one may stay in exile.”All true — in context.Yet deeply misunderstood and conveniently misused.Even Satmar Chassidim weep over Eretz Yisrael.Even Rav Moshe Feinstein praised the holiness of the Land.None of them said:“Exile is a spiritually superior environment. Stay there for comfort.”For thousands of years, our rabbis begged, prayed, and sacrificed to reach this Land. They endured malaria-infested swamps, starvation, and Ottoman decrees.Not for comfort.For covenant.They understood what we have forgotten:Comfort is not the goal of Judaism. Destiny is.The Real Price: Their ChildrenLet us speak plainly.For the “religious diaspora Jew,” the loss is spiritual blindness.But for the vast majority who leave?It is nothing less than a demographic suicide mission.In Israel:* Intermarriage rate: ~4%In the United States:* Intermarriage rate: 70–90%That means that in America, one generation later,your grandchildren may not be Jewish.Nobody “plans” for assimilation, yet it swallows entire family trees.Leaving Eretz Yisrael puts your children into the currents of history — currents that have erased millions of Jews before them.No Israeli parent moving abroad ever says:“I'm choosing to end my family's Jewish story.”But statistically, that is exactly what they are doing.Kosher-Style Judaism Is Not JudaismThose who leave often say:“We will stay religious abroad. Judaism is not tied to geography.”False.Judaism is born in a place.Rooted in a place.Fulfilled in a place.Eretz Yisrael is not a backdrop.It is a commandment.לא בשמיים היא — It is not in the heavens.It's right here. In the Torah. In every parsha.From Lech Lecha to Ki Tavo.You don't need a PhD to understand the Torah's geography.Only a willingness to listen.The Darkness of Egypt — ReplayedThe Midrash teaches that 80% of Jews never left Egypt.They chose to stay — and they died during the plague of darkness.They disappeared from Jewish destiny.Today, the parallel is clear.We are living in spiritual darkness.Exile is the darkness.Israel is the light.Every Jew today is being asked:Will you join the redemption — or remain behind?Conclusion: The Door Is Still OpenThe tragedy of the yordim is not only that they leave.It's that they don't know what they're leaving.The greatest generation in Jewish history — ours — is living with the opportunity that our ancestors would have given their lives to taste for one hour.The door to redemption is open.The gates of Eretz Yisrael are open.The only question is:Will we walk through them?Or will we choose to remain in the darkness of a self-imposed exile? This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit geulamovement.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of the Parsha Review Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explores Parshas Nitzavim, which always precedes Rosh Hashanah, emphasizing the theme of standing before Hashem in judgment, as highlighted in Deuteronomy 29:9, where "Atem Nitzavim" (you are standing) signals the collective accountability of all Israel. He notes the deliberate separation from the 98 curses in the prior portion (Ki Tavo), described as "100 minus 2" to avoid proximity to Rosh Hashanah, including sins like cursing parents or misleading the vulnerable. Rabbi Wolbe shares a story of the Chose of Lublin advising a sinner to commit to truth as repentance, illustrating how truth, reflected in the rearranged letters of "Atem" to form "Emet" (truth), aligns one with Hashem's essence, as affirmed in the Shema's declaration of Hashem as truth. He explains that truth, distinct from beauty in the 15 praises following Shema (from "Emet" to "beautiful"), is powerful yet not always pleasant, requiring careful delivery to avoid harm, as exemplified by Moshe's gentle reprimands and personal anecdotes about sensitive truth-telling. Rabbi Wolbe connects this to the introspective preparation for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, urging listeners to confront their true selves in the mirror, as inspired by a friend's transformative moment of self-awareness in recovery, to recognize their potential and responsibility to live purposefully, aligning with Hashem's belief in their unique contribution to the world._____________This episode (Ep 7.47) of the Parsha Review Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe on Parshas Nitzavim is dedicated in honor of our Holy Soldiers in the Battlefield and our Torah Scholars in the Study Halls who are fighting for the safety of our nation!Download & Print the Parsha Review Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ncaRyoH5iJmGGoMZs9y82Hz2ofViVouv?usp=sharingRecorded at TORCH Meyerland in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on September 16, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on September 17, 2025_____________Subscribe: Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/parsha-review-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1651930083)Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/22lv1kXJob5ZNLaAl6CHTQ) to stay inspired! Share your questions at awolbe@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content.  _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life.  To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!_____________Subscribe and Listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#Torah, #Parsha, #Deuteronomy, #honesty, #self-reflection, #commitment, #truth, #self-belief, #responsibility, #personalgrowth ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of the Parsha Review Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explores Parshas Nitzavim, which always precedes Rosh Hashanah, emphasizing the theme of standing before Hashem in judgment, as highlighted in Deuteronomy 29:9, where "Atem Nitzavim" (you are standing) signals the collective accountability of all Israel. He notes the deliberate separation from the 98 curses in the prior portion (Ki Tavo), described as "100 minus 2" to avoid proximity to Rosh Hashanah, including sins like cursing parents or misleading the vulnerable. Rabbi Wolbe shares a story of the Chose of Lublin advising a sinner to commit to truth as repentance, illustrating how truth, reflected in the rearranged letters of "Atem" to form "Emet" (truth), aligns one with Hashem's essence, as affirmed in the Shema's declaration of Hashem as truth. He explains that truth, distinct from beauty in the 15 praises following Shema (from "Emet" to "beautiful"), is powerful yet not always pleasant, requiring careful delivery to avoid harm, as exemplified by Moshe's gentle reprimands and personal anecdotes about sensitive truth-telling. Rabbi Wolbe connects this to the introspective preparation for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, urging listeners to confront their true selves in the mirror, as inspired by a friend's transformative moment of self-awareness in recovery, to recognize their potential and responsibility to live purposefully, aligning with Hashem's belief in their unique contribution to the world._____________This episode (Ep 7.47) of the Parsha Review Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe on Parshas Nitzavim is dedicated in honor of our Holy Soldiers in the Battlefield and our Torah Scholars in the Study Halls who are fighting for the safety of our nation!Download & Print the Parsha Review Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ncaRyoH5iJmGGoMZs9y82Hz2ofViVouv?usp=sharingRecorded at TORCH Meyerland in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on September 16, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on September 17, 2025_____________Subscribe: Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/parsha-review-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1651930083)Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/22lv1kXJob5ZNLaAl6CHTQ) to stay inspired! Share your questions at awolbe@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content.  _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life.  To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!_____________Subscribe and Listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#Torah, #Parsha, #Deuteronomy, #honesty, #self-reflection, #commitment, #truth, #self-belief, #responsibility, #personalgrowth ★ Support this podcast ★

Ramban on the Torah | 5785 | 39 | Ki Tavo, by Rav Eli Weber How do we show gratitude to Hashem? How do we deal with failure in Avodat Hashem?

Parsha "Ki Tavo" (Deuteronomy (26:1-29:8) is almost certainly the most famous, and foreboding, set of blessings and cursings in the Bible. But, notably, it begins with "when you have come into the land," and a set of instructions, such as the 'Bikkurim' or offerings of First Fruits, that are to take place there. But we remain in exile, have been "shalach"-ed for cause. So what does that mean about those curses? The Erev Shabbat reading begins there, and the specifics, to set the state: https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/SSM-9-12-25-Ki-Tavo-teaching-podcast-xxx.mp3 During the Sabbath Day midrash, Mark Call of Shabbat Shalom Mesa addresses exactly that question. But it begins with an observation: The plagues are certainly - undeniably - "well deserved," not just by the US, but the world. And many, at least, already seem to be in progress. Yet we are told, repeatedly, in Scripture, to "have no fellowship," with the unfruitful works of darkness. To "flee from idolatry." And not to 'keep company' with, or even eat with, the kind of people who commit the kind of perversions we routinely see promoted on CNN. Or taught in the public 'schools.' Mark argues that we have been told to "come out of her," to not participate with those sins, so as to - hopefully - avoid the promised plagues. The prophet Amos tells us that, unless they are agreed, it's difficult for two people to "walk together." And we saw this week there are, unquestionably, a large demonic army of people with whom reasoned dialogue, discourse, debate, and now arguably even peaceful coexistence have been demonstrated to be impossible. So, do those plagues in Deuteronomy 28 still apply? Or not? Isn't it relevant that the FIRST three plagues in Egypt hit everyone? But, during the fourth, of flies, YHVH "put a difference," made a distinction, between the pagan Egyptians and His people? The promised plagues are here, and we're already in exile. So what now? Ki Tavo: The Plagues are OPTIONAL https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/WT-CooH-9-13-25-Ki-Tavo-Plagues-are-OPTIONAL-podcast-xxxx.mp3 The combined two-part reading and Sabbath midrash:

Download the notes here:https://esm.us/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/09.13-25-Congregational-Notes-3.pdf____________________________________פָּרָּ שַׁ ת כִּ י־תֵ צֵאKi Tavo“When you come in”Deuteronomy 26:1-29:8Isaiah 60:1-22Matthew 4:13-24

Rabbi Amy Bernstein's weekly Torah study class via Zoom guest teacher Rabbi Daniel Sher - September 12, 2025.

The pasuk says in this week's Parasha, Ki Tavo , ושמחת בכל הטוב – we are to rejoice with all of the good that Hashem gives us. In this world, when a person appreciates what others do for him, those people are happy to give him more. But when a person denies the good, it makes others turn away from giving him. At the end of the year, when we are going to request of Hashem to give us a new year of blessing, the best thing we could do is to first appreciate how much He has given us already. One of the reasons people don't appreciate is because they feel that everyone else has more than them and everyone else is happier than them. But they are very mistaken. The sefer Orchot HaYeshiva tells the story of a young man who went to see Rav Shach, zatzal , and lamented that it seemed to him that his friend, who had gotten engaged at the same time as he did, seemed to be happier than him. He was asking the Rabbi if he should perhaps break off his engagement. Rav Shach replied, "The boy you are talking about was here before and he had the exact same complaint. He thought that you seemed happier than him." This is the nature of man, to always think that others are happier than he, but in actuality, Hashem gives each person exactly what he needs to be happy, to do his job. If we could only focus on what we do have rather than on what everyone else seems to have, we would be so much happier. Just saying the Birkot HaShachar in the morning with kavana can bring a person such an appreciation for Hashem. The Chochma U'Musar writes, before we say each beracha , we should think about what exactly we are about to thank Hashem for and then appreciate it to the fullest. For example, he said, one of the berachot is פוקח עיוורים – that Hashem gives eyesight to the blind. Simply, we are saying when we go to sleep we can't see and each day when we wake up, Hashem gives up the ability to see once again. We are supposed to imagine the feelings of a blind man, lo alenu , and then imagine that all of a sudden, a doctor came up with a medication that could cure the blind. How much joy would a blind man have finally being able to see? That is the amount of appreciation that we are supposed to show Hashem every single day because nothing is a given and just because a person has something today doesn't necessarily mean he'll have it tomorrow. It is only because of the chesed of Hashem that we are able to enjoy the blessings He gives us each and every day. We also have to feel so fortunate that we have the zechut to serve the Melech Malchei HaMelachim HaKadosh Baruch Hu . The sefer Mizmor L'Asaf writes, when a person enters the shul in the morning, he should be overcome with hakarat hatov that Hashem gave him the privilege of entering His home to come and speak to Him. The more we appreciate, the better our avodat Hashem will be, the happier we will be and the happier Hashem will be to give us even more.

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Ki Tavo: Lore & Law by Rabbi Avi Harari

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Welcome to the Covenant & Conversation series, Rabbi Sacks' commentary pieces on the weekly Torah portion, exploring ideas and sharing inspiration from the Torah readings of the week. This audio on Ki Tavo was recorded by Rabbi Sacks in 2020. Follow along here: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/ki-tavo/be-silent-and-listen/ This week's FEATURED essay on Ki Tavo is available here: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/ki-tavo/listening-and-law/ Read and download the written essay, and all translations. For intergenerational discussion on the weekly Parsha and Haftara, a new FAMILY EDITION is now also available: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation-family-edition/ki-tavo/listening-and-law/ ________________________ For more articles, videos, and other material from Rabbi Sacks, please visit www.RabbiSacks.org and follow @RabbiSacks. The Rabbi Sacks Legacy continues to share weekly inspiration from Rabbi Sacks. With thanks to the Schimmel Family for their generous sponsorship of Covenant & Conversation, dedicated in loving memory of Harry (Chaim) Schimmel.

This week's parsha introduces the mitzvah of bikurim—bringing the first fruits to Jerusalem, handing them to the priest, and speaking words of thanks. It's not enough to feel gratitude; we must declare it out loud, with joy, and connect our personal harvests to the larger story of our people. So what are the “first fruits” in our own lives today, and how can we offer them with joy and purpose? Tune in to find out.

Latest episode of the podcast. Please consider sponsoring a class online in someones merit, memory or refuah shelemah. You can donate here in the app or send us an email at info@ejsny.org with the dedication you want to make. Thanks!

Parashah Ki Tavo 5785

The internal war of the month of Elul will determine the arena in which we will live in the coming year. To create a good and sweet year on this coming Rosh-HaShanah, we need to know how to turn the curses that befall us into blessings. The events surrounding the legitimacy of the State of Israel are encompassing the entire world and will reach their peak in a few days in New York at a conference of most of the world's nations. Did the Zohar predict the process and the event? How does the Zohar predict that it will end? For a short reading about this Parashah: https://livekabbalah.org/ki-tavo Join our course program: https://livekabbalah.org/live-kabbalah-courses Join our Zoom Program: https://livekabbalah.org/weekly-zohar-tree-of-life-study-live Support our efforts to provide you with more materials, donate to Live Kabbalah: https://livekabbalah.org/donations

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How can gratitude transform even the darkest moments into growth? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Dr. Tal Sessler explore Parshat Ki Tavo and its message of gratitude, resilience, and meaning. From the mitzvah of bringing first fruits to Isaiah's words of consolation, they discuss how Torah helps us face trauma, despair, and anger with hope.

Latest episode of the podcast. Please consider sponsoring a class online in someones merit, memory or refuah shelemah. You can donate here in the app or send us an email at info@ejsny.org with the dedication you want to make. Thanks!