Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Deuteronomy 28:18 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 28:18 is part of the 'Tochecha' (rebuke), where Moshe warns the Jewish people of the curses that will befall them if they do not follow Hashem's commandments. This verse specifically mentions curses on one's children, agricultural produce, and livestock as consequences for disobedience. Rashi explains that these curses are the opposite of the blessings mentioned earlier in the parsha, showing how turning away from Torah leads to loss of prosperity.
Q: Why is this verse important in Judaism?
A: This verse is important because it emphasizes the principle of 'middah k'neged middah' (measure for measure) in Jewish thought. The Talmud (Sotah 8b) teaches that blessings and curses are directly tied to our actions. When we follow Hashem's will, we receive blessings; when we stray, we face consequences. This verse serves as a solemn reminder of the importance of keeping the Torah and mitzvos.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: While we don't see these exact curses manifest today, the Rambam (Hilchos Ta'anios 1:1-3) explains that when troubles befall the Jewish community, we must examine our actions and return to Torah observance. The message remains relevant - our spiritual state affects our physical wellbeing. Many see challenges in livelihood, health, or family matters as modern reminders to strengthen our connection to Hashem.
Q: What does 'fruit of thy body' refer to in this verse?
A: The phrase 'fruit of thy body' refers to one's children. The Kli Yakar explains that just as fruit is the desired product of a tree, children are the desired 'fruit' of a person. The curse implies that when the Jewish people stray from Torah values, the continuity and success of future generations may be impacted. This aligns with the Torah's emphasis on transmitting our heritage l'dor v'dor (from generation to generation).
Q: Why are crops and livestock mentioned in the curses?
A: The Torah mentions crops and livestock because in an agricultural society, these represented a person's livelihood and connection to the land. The Sforno notes that these curses show how disobedience affects all aspects of life - family (children), personal sustenance (crops), and economic stability (livestock). Even today, when our livelihoods take different forms, the principle remains that spiritual actions impact material success.
Context in the Torah
This verse (Devarim 28:18) appears in the section of the Tochacha (Rebuke), where Moshe warns Bnei Yisrael of the curses that will befall them if they fail to observe the mitzvos. The curses are presented in stark contrast to the blessings enumerated earlier in the parsha.
Grammatical and Linguistic Analysis
The verse uses four parallel phrases to describe the curse:
The term "עַשְׁתְּרוֹת" is unique and is interpreted by Rashi as referring to the offspring of flocks, derived from the root עשר (abundance), indicating fertility.
Commentary from Rashi
Rashi explains that the curse extends to all aspects of sustenance and continuity:
Midrashic Interpretation
The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) connects these curses to the violation of specific mitzvos. For example:
Rambam’s Perspective (Hilchos Teshuvah)
Rambam teaches that these curses are not arbitrary punishments but natural consequences of straying from Torah. When Bnei Yisrael abandon mitzvos, they remove themselves from Divine protection, leaving their children, land, and livestock vulnerable to misfortune.
Practical Lesson
This verse serves as a stark reminder that material and familial blessings are contingent upon adherence to Torah. The curses are not merely punitive but are meant to inspire teshuvah (repentance) by demonstrating the direct relationship between mitzvah observance and prosperity.