The Torah selection for this Shabbat, Parashat Ki Tavo, begins with a presentation of the offering of the first fruits. The first fruits are to be brought to the kohen in the place where G-d shall choose His name to dwell, presumably a reference to Jerusalem. The declaration by the presenter has been incorporated into the Haggadah of Passover. The offering of the first fruits expresses the joy of the worshipper for G-d's kindness.

The narrative shares the three varieties of tithes. The first tithe went to the maintenance of the Levites, who had no inheritance in the land of Israel. The second tithe was the produce brought by families to Jerusalem to be consumed there. The third tithe was the tithing for the poor. The second farewell address of Moses concludes with a call to heed the brit, the covenant.

Moses' third farewell address begins with Deuteronomy chapter 27. The words of Moses' teaching were to be written in stone on Mt. Ebal, the sacred mountain of the covenant. Mt. Ebal stands at the gateway to the city of Shechem, one of the sacred cities of the Patriarchs of Israel. Today, Palestinians know Shechem as the city of Nablus. An altar was to be erected there with the sacrifice of burnt and peace offerings. The ratification of the covenant was held at the sacred mountains of Ebal and Gerizim. Six tribes stood on the former peak and six tribes were on the latter. The blessings are associated with Mt. Gerizim, while the curses are associated with Mt. Ebal. The curses are explicitly listed in Deuteronomy 27:15-26.

The blessings of obedience to the covenant are found in Deuteronomy 28. The blessings are associated with agricultural prosperity and victory over Israel's enemies. The infamous curses of verses 15-68 are known as the Tochecha. They are traditionally chanted in an undertone. Horrible diseases are associated with disobedience to the covenant. Drought and famines shall follow. The animals of Israel shall suffer as well. The final blow will be the expulsion of Israel from the Promised Land. A powerful enemy shall vanquish the nation. Israel will be enslaved, however, there will not be sufficient masters to purchase these slaves. The portrait is one of degradation and ultimately, annihilation. The Torah selection of Ki Tavo concludes with an exhortation to heed the brit, the covenant.