Parshat Ki Tavo – this week’s Torah portion – is invariably read during the month of Elul… generally in close proximity to Rosh Hashanah. A distinguishing feature of this section of Scripture is a series of harsh curses and admonitions (Deuteronomy 28:15-69, known as the “Tochechah” – “The Rebuke”) – threatening dire consequences for Israelite faithlessness and violation of God’s Covenant:
“Cursed shall you be in the city and cursed shall you be in the country….” The Tochechah speaks of calamity, pestilence, a variety of diseases and bodily ailments (some so graphic and disturbing that the Torah Reader customarily substitutes prescribed euphemisms), madness, economic and personal ruin!
So unpleasant is this section of the Torah that it is customary to read the curses in a hushed tone and in a rushed manner: audible to the congregation, but dispensed with as quickly and painlessly as possible. Those given to superstition are reluctant to be called to the Torah for this reading
Some teach that the scheduling of the Tochecha just prior to Rosh Hashanah is intended as a spur to sincere repentance.
The Talmud (Megillah 31A) suggests that the ominous reading represents a carefully timed prayer that – together with the imminent conclusion of the year – all the year’s curses and misfortunes will also be brought to an abrupt end.
Amen!
Rabbi Joseph H. Prouser is the rabbi of Temple Emanuel of North Jersey and the editor of “Masorti: The New Journal of Conservative Judaism.”
“Cursed shall you be in the city and cursed shall you be in the country….” The Tochechah speaks of calamity, pestilence, a variety of diseases and bodily ailments (some so graphic and disturbing that the Torah Reader customarily substitutes prescribed euphemisms), madness, economic and personal ruin!