A SUMMARY OF KI SAVO, Deut. 26:1- 29:8.

Every Jew has to recite a declaration when he brings his first fruits to the Temple. He reviews both the Jewish past and Israel's future messianic mission, transforming nature's harvest into a deep religious experience. This review is also recited from the Hagada on Passover night, rather than citing the Exodus story directly, where Moshe's role is stressed. The only other fixed Biblical declaration follows- a farmer proclaims his proper disposition of his agricultural dues in years #3 and #6 of the 7 year farming cycle, and prays for Israel in Israel. Moshe concludes the chapter with the special relationship between God and Israel, His holy folk.

CH. 27: Moshe and the elders command the folk to write the Torah, well explained, on each of 3 sets of huge stones, to be set up in Israel, amidst sacrifices. Moshe plans the impressive ceremony of blessings and curses to be performed on Mts. Gerizim and Avel.

CH. 28: Moshe now spells out both the amazing blessings which God will bestow upon a holy Israel, and the terrible curses which will fall upon a perverse Israel, culminating in our worldwide long diaspora; Jews are never truly at rest there (see Roots, Schmoots, by assimilated biased Howard Jacobson).

CH. 29: Moshe now briefly recounts Jewish history from Exodus, urging the Jews to meet the challenge of this renewed Covenant.

THE HAFTORA is IS. 60. A restored righteous Israel shall enlighten a world, sunk in gross darkness, with God's light; the surviving nations will respond to Israel with great gifts, service and respect. This predestined moment in history can be advanced by Israel's voluntary return to God.