Carpool Curriculum

Parashat Ki Thavo (Deuteronomy 26:1 - 29:8)

A weekly Torah exploration for families by Michael S. Raileanu, M.A.Ed.

A weekly Torah exploration for families by Michael S. Raileanu, M.A.Ed.

Parashat Ki Thavo, Deuteronomy 26:1 - 29:8, has two statements that the Jewish people were to say at specific times once they entered the land promised to them by God. The statements are really, really famous and meaningful and are probably both worth a lifetime of study. There are also a ton of blessings and curses. Moshe has got a great deal to say before he signs off for good.

  1. The first statement "Arami oved avi... (Deut 26:5)" ("My ancestor was a wandering Aramean...") is quite difficult to understand. It is a short retelling of Jewish history. Could you write a retelling of Jewish history in less than 50 words? Less than 40 words? Less than 30 words? What if you only had to include biblical Jewish History, could you do it? What are the most important things you would include?
  2. Which of our Jewish ancestors were wanderers? Why don't we name them by name when we bring our first fruits to the Temple? Why would we retell our history when we are giving our fruits to the Temple? What do you think the connection is?
  3. What does the word tithe mean? Does it seem like giving a tithe would be a lot of money? Do you think people should tithe even if they are poor? Should rich people give more than 10%? Why or why not?
  4. This parasha opens with the laws of tithing and of giving first fruits. It also mentions God in one form or another more than 20 times. Why is that? What are we supposed to learn about tithing and first fruits if we mention God's name over and over? Does God really need our first fruits? If not, why are we bringing them to the Temple?
  5. In Chapter 27 we get a long list of curses. In Chapter 28 we get blessings followed by more curses. Why more curses than blessings? What is a curse? What is a blessing? Does God always answer our requests for good things in our lives? If not, does that constitute a blessing or a curse? Do we always know what is best for us? Do you think God always knows what is best for us? If God denies us something, is that always going to be for the best?

Copyright 2009 Michael S. Raileanu. All rights reserved.