The Tochacha, which is the dominant theme of this week's Torah portion, is a chilling warning to Jews in every generation of what they are likely to suffer from if they fail to study the Torah and observe its mitzvot.

Jews have, however, proven to be a stubborn, stiff-necked people who blindly choose to interpret their historic suffering as nothing more than a manifestation of anti-Semitism rather than Heavenly retribution.

When we look with sadness upon the suffering of the Jews throughout the world today, especially in the historic homeland of our people, we must take the warning of the Tochacha to heart and resolve to become more attached to our Torah tradition. Only then will we be certain of gaining the rewards listed in this Torah portion before the awesome Tochacha — material prosperity and dwelling in security in Israel forever.

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