Parshat Ki Tavo: What Does The Bible Say About Happiness?

How does the Bible help us find personal happiness in our lives, and what is true happiness anyway?

This week’s parsha can be broken into two main sections. The first section is about the declarations a farmer needs to make after he brings Bikkurim, the first fruit, and tithes to the Temple. The second section is all about the blessings and curses that will befall the nation of Israel depending on whether they keep their covenant with God. How do these sections fit together? Is there a common thread that unifies our parsha?

Join us in this two-week series, spanning Ki Tavo and Nitzavim, where Rabbi Fohrman addresses the greater theme of what the Bible says about finding true happiness.

[YHWH]

what’s done in secret will come to light

[novariagold]

I honestly love of how you guys wants to bring others, ( the world ) to follow Him and i just love it . I hear it every time i sunbath, i study, its just interesting to hear more detail ( s ) of a part of God's Word

[NoelPura-uqzi]

Excellent shiur Aleph Beta. I find it interesting that in a parshat about happiness, most of the passages discussed (Deuteronomy) are all about sin. What is original sin, actually? How is it different in the Jewish perspective as opposed to the Christian one? Those who bless Israel shall be blessed, and those who curse Israel shall be cursed. So sayeth the Lord, your G-d.

[omryatar]

תודה שדילגת על הפרטים האינטימיים, כך אפשר להציג גם לצעירים.

[natanzel]

Thank you for these great insights rabbi. Just one somewhat unrelated question: Like most N.American Jews, (including most rabbis) your pronunciation of Hebrew places the emphasis of Hebrew words on the first syllable (like on the תו- tav of the name of פרשת תבוא -parashat tavoh) even when the טעם - taam appears under the second syllable (which is in the overwhelming majority of cases) Indeed, in some cases when the stress appears under the third syllable, like in the name of the next parasha, נצבים Nitzavim, many place emphasis on the second syllable - the צדי - tzaddi in the word נצבים - Nitzavim).
What is the origin of this practice of what seems to be a disregard for shifting the emphasis? Is there a grammatical tradition this pronunciation rests upon? If anyone can shed light on this widespread practice, I'd be most grateful. Wishing everyone a כתיבה וחתינה טובה.

[mariaalejandrasanchez]

Me gusta la parashat y en tiendo lo que está diciendo y en tiendo ingles

[chele]

What is the Parsha portion for this week? I don't see it listed or stated. Thank you!

[petermichelson]

These 12 curses or laws tie all 13 Jewish Principles together. Similar are the same in the 10 Commandments. All Commandments from HaShem are his laws to follow. If you brake his laws, there are consequences. If you commit yourself & family to keeping these covenants you will be rewarded for years to come.

[cesarioserrato]

Back in those days our forefathers were very dark skinned/black not like what these videos show. Can the new videos your team makes reflect more correctly what the people really looked like?

[eloishashalom]

what is really ASTONISH YISROELI PEOPLE DOES NOT NOTICE THE DIFFERENCE BETEEN A FRUIT VINE AND A NON-FRUT ONE, FOR MAYIZ HAS BEEN FORGATEN AND REPLACED BY WHEAT. SHALOM