In this portion we conclude the section of Moses’ second discourse in which he sets forth the religious foundations of the covenant at Sinai. He lays before the Israelites two possibilities: obedience to God, which would bring blessing, or disobedience, which would bring a curse. The choice is theirs to make, but it is clear that in order to possess the land they must choose to follow God’s laws. The next section of the discourse comprises a detailed listing of the laws that are to govern the lives of the Israelites in the Promised Land. The first area dealt with its religious institutions and worship, including, among other things, directions for the establishment of a central sanctuary, rules for maintaining distinctiveness in worship, warnings against the heathen rites and religious seducers, and regulations concerning permitted and forbidden foods, tithes and the year of the release. The portion ends with laws detailing the observance of Pesach, Shavuot and Sukkot, indicating that time also is to be sanctified.
