Parsha “Ki Tavo” (Deuteronomy (26:1-29:8) is almost certainly the most famous, and foreboding, set of blessings and cursings in the Bible. But, notably, it begins with “when you have come into the land,” and a set of instructions, such as the ‘Bikkurim’ or offerings of First Fruits, that are to take place there.

But we remain in exile, have been “shalach”-ed for cause. So what does that mean about those curses?

The Erev Shabbat reading begins there, and the specifics, to set the stage:

During the Sabbath Day midrash, Mark Call of Shabbat Shalom Mesa addresses exactly that question. But it begins with an observation:

The plagues are certainly – undeniably – “well deserved,” not just by the US, but the world. And many, at least, already seem to be in progress.

Yet we are told, repeatedly, in Scripture, to “have no fellowship,” with the unfruitful works of darkness. To “flee from idolatry.” And not to ‘keep company’ with, or even eat with, the kind of people who commit the kind of perversions we routinely see promoted on CNN. Or taught in the public ‘schools.’

Mark argues that we have been told to “come out of her,” to not participate with those sins, so as to – hopefully – avoid the promised plagues. The prophet Amos tells us that, unless they are agreed, it’s difficult for two people to “walk together.” And we saw this week there are, unquestionably, a large demonic army of people with whom reasoned dialogue, discourse, debate, and now arguably even peaceful coexistence have been demonstrated to be impossible.

So, do those plagues in Deuteronomy 28 still apply? Or not?

Isn’t it relevant that the FIRST three plagues in Egypt hit everyone? But, during the fourth, of flies, YHVH “put a difference,” made a distinction, between the pagan Egyptians and His people?

The promised plagues are here, and we’re already in exile. So what now?

The combined two-part reading and Sabbath midrash: