Prelude to Blessing

Parsha KiTavo begins with a recitation of Israel's history preparatory to giving the first fruits and ends with a series of terrible curses. As it turns out, joyful fulfilment of the giving of firstfruits and the triennial tithe to support the Levite, the orphan, the widow and the stranger is the key to activating the blessings promised in Dt 28 and preventing the activation of the curses.