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<DIV><FONT size=2><FONT face=Arial>The central topic of Parashat Ki-Tavo is the
blessings and curses. These blessings and curses involve the establishment of a
treaty between Israel and the A-mighty: [29:11-12]</FONT>
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<DIV align=justify><FONT face=Arial><FONT size=2>The following is
fascinating!</FONT></FONT></DIV>
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<DIV align=justify><FONT face=Arial><FONT size=2>The curses in chapter
28 contain 676 letters (in the Hebrew text). The word "<EM>ra-ot"</EM>
(reish,ayin,vov,tof) which can mean "evil occurrences" has the value of
676. Now note that G-d's holy Name, HaShem, has the value of 26, and 26
squared is 676. </FONT></FONT></DIV>
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<DIV align=justify><FONT face=Arial><FONT size=2>The hidden meaning (according
to the <EM>Itture Torah</EM>, Vol.
Vl, p.165) is<STRONG>:</STRONG> In this coming week's
portion, the Torah threatens with <EM>raot</EM>, but from all of
<STRONG>them</STRONG> <EM>HaShem</EM> will rescue us. </FONT><FONT
size=2>After realizing the above, I gained an addition insight. As we know, any
gift from G-d can be used for good or for evil. When used for evil we have the
word "ra-ot." However, when utilized for good, we can take the same
letters: <EM>(reish, ayin, vov,tof) </EM>and we now have
</FONT></FONT><FONT face=Arial size=2>"<EM>ray-ut" </EM>or
"friendship." </FONT></DIV>
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<DIV align=justify><FONT face=Arial>The other fascinating lesson is a
commentary by the <EM>Ari</EM> regarding the pasuk in <EM>Devarim</EM>:
"Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse." [11:26] Well,
the <EM>Ari</EM> questioned this: "But there is no curse in the heavenly
realm." He then explained it so: Take the word <EM>k'lalah</EM>, "curse," and
write it backwards. Then instead of <EM>kuf lamed lamed hay</EM>, we have
<EM>hay lamed lamed kuf</EM>, which gives us <EM>hallel</EM> (praise)
<EM>kuf</EM>. This simply means that if we say 100 (<EM>kuf</EM>) benedictions
that praise (<EM>hallel</EM>) the A-mighty, then any curse (against us)
is reversed and converted into a blessing. </FONT></DIV>
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<DIV align=justify><FONT face=Arial>You will also note that if you rearrange the
English word "<STRONG>curse</STRONG>" by just switching the last two letters,
you have "<STRONG>cures</STRONG>." So if we sincerely praise the Almighty, the
"<STRONG><U>curse</U></STRONG>" becomes the "<STRONG><U>cures</U></STRONG>" for
all ills.</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV align=justify><FONT face=Arial>Richard
Wolberg</FONT></DIV></FONT></DIV></FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>