Loud Curses

The Torah describes a ceremony that took place by the mountains of Gerizim and Eival. Six tribes stood on each mountain. The Levites recited the blessings for observing the Torah on Mount Gerizim and the curses towards Mount Eival.

This must have been an awesome experience to have witnessed such a ceremony. It was clear to all of the Jewish people, that they were expected to abide by the dictates of the Torah.

The Midrash Tanchuma adds a strange comment by saying that just as the blessings were recited in a loud voice (בכל רם), the curses were likewise to be recited in a loud voice.

The explanation of this statement was to teach a lesson in human nature. When it comes to giving praise to an individual, it is done loudly and openly. When it comes to rebuke, it is generally done quietly, in order not to embarrass that person.

The message here is that bad behavior and acting in an improper way, sometimes needs to be “shouted out.” People need to be clear that there is a definite right and wrong in this world. This needs to be made clear so that there is no condoning or accepting evil. When something is wrong or against the Torah, it must be explained loud and clear so that there is no confusion.

This was the ceremony at these two mountains. It was a clear clarification of what is good and holy in this world, and what is not.