Great Promises

Twice a year, the Torah gives us the תוכחה, or rebuke. The first comes before Shavuot, and the second one before Rosh Hashanah. It is a very stern warning of what will befall the Jewish people if they abandon the teachings of the Torah.

In each instance, “the rebuke” is preceded by all of the blessings that Hashem is willing to shower upon us for strictly observing the Mitzvot.

“There will be peace in the land. You will go to sleep without fears. There will be no swords or wild beasts in the land. You will pursue your enemies and they will fall by the sword. I will multiply you and you will have plenty. And I will keep My covenant with you.”

These sound like pretty remarkable promises that we will be granted if we only listen to the voice of Hashem. It sounds simple and it really is. All of the good things in life are available to us if we would only open our eyes and see them.

Nothing good will come from chasing rainbows and adopting lifestyles that are far away from Jewish tradition. Sometimes we learn things the hard way. Our history is testimony enough that all of the words of the Torah are true.

Empires rise and fall, and the world goes through all kinds of radical changes. When all is said and done, all we need to do is “walk humbly with Hashem,” and we will be worthy of all of the blessings mentioned. Heed the warning and learn from history. Greatness awaits our people with Hashem’s help.