There are only two roads to travel in life – one filled with blessings; the other with curses. Only we can choose the way. No one else chooses for us, not even G-d. This message is to be brought as a lesson to all Yisrael in a ceremony upon Mountains Gerizim and Eval once the People enter possess the land of Canaan.

Worship is a civilized, organized, communal affair in ancient Yisrael. Private altars were prohibited, and the Kohanim administered all ritual. The reason for this is clear. In an unsettled time, strong central leadership is paramount. Without it, a nation would sink into chaos, and religion would degrade into aberration, heresy, and heathenism. We are again warned not to emulate the local tribesmen since they will only bring us to utter ruination. To show that the entrance into Canaan is imminent and that victory and success are assured, Moshe gives us G-d’s laws of the tithes, Shabbat, charity, and the rituals of the Three Pilgrimage Festivals – Pesach, Shavuot, and Sukkot.

Why do we read a Haftorah? The reading of a Haftorah dates back to the Second Jewish Commonwealth, during the era of the Greek empire. Our enemies recognized the centrality of the Torah to us and banned its reading. In response, specific sections of the Prophets were substituted that captured the teaching of the weekly Sidra. Although the reading of Torah has long since been restored, the Haftorah remains an integral part of Shabbat and Yom Tov experience to enhance our Torah learning.

Announce the month of Elul which begins on Wednesday evening, August 19 – Friday evening, August 21. During the month of Elul, the Shofar (Ram’s horn) is sounded each weekday morning at the conclusion of the Shacharit prayers. Traditionally, this is meant to stir our hearts toward Teshuvah (repentance). Psalm 27 (“By David. G-d is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? G-d is my life’s strength, whom shall I dread?”) is also added to the Shacharit and Maariv services (even on Shabbat) and is recited through the Festival of Sukkot. It presents Almighty G-d as our true source of salvation and is an affirmation of G-d’s eternal love for us all.