Ki Tavo
Blessings and cursesBut not in equal numberMore sticks than carrots?
Chapters 27 and 28 of Deuteronomy include lists of actions that will lead to curses and those than will bring blessing, along with descriptions of how those curses and blessings will become manifest.Verses 27:15-16 follow a formula - "Cursed be the one ... [who behaves a certain way] ... and all the people shall say, Amen." The specifics of the curses are laid out in horrifying detail in verses 28:15-68.G-d's blessings, and how the people must behave to deserve them, are given much less space - the first 14 verses of Chapter 28. And there is no acknowledgment by the people, no repetition of the word "Amen."Perhaps this is because it's easier to stray than it is to "observe these laws and rules ... faithfully with all your heart and soul." (26:16). So we need to be reminded, in detail, of what might befall us. And we must affirm that we understand what we should not do.