Ekev
Deuteronomy 7:12 - 11:25
July 30-31, 2010

Moses tells the people that by following all the rules set down by God, Israel will experience great blessings – health, abundant produce and fertility. All enemies of Israel will be vanquished with God's help. A brief description is given of Israel's wanderings in the desert. Moses reminds the people to give thanks continually to God for the abundance provided. The people should never assume that it is by their own hand that they enjoy the fruits of the land – all that they have is from God. By not following God's commandments, Israel will be doomed.

R'ei
Deuteronomy 11:26 - 16:17
August 6-7, 2010

Moses tells the people that he has set before them a blessing and a curse – a blessing if they obey God's commandments and a curse if they choose disobedience. The choice is given to Israel. In order to possess the land, the people must follow the laws established by God. Moses details all the laws the people must observe including laying down their idols, setting aside food as tithes, and the laws of kashrut. The portion closes with Moses detailing the festivals: Feast of Unleavened Bread, Feast of Weeks and Feast of Booths.

Shof’tim
Deuteronomy 16:18 - 21:9
August 13-14, 2010

This reading is a continuation of Moses' second farewell address. To assure justice for all, a system of courts with judges must be established. Difficult cases can be referred to a Supreme Court. Moses also discusses the duties of Kings, Priests and Prophets.

Ki Teitzei
Deuteronomy 21:10 - 25:19
August 20-21, 2010

Moses reviews a variety of laws designed to strengthen family life and human decency. The laws, for example, deal with the humane treatment of slaves, parental obligations, kindness to animals, lost property, honest business practices and community responsibility for the welfare of widows, orphans and strangers.

Ki Tavo
Deuteronomy 26:1 - 29:8
August 27-28, 2010

Moses continues a review of the laws the Israelites are to follow. These include instructions on bringing first fruits as offerings and tithing of funds which are to be donated to the strangers, the orphaned, and the widowed.