ואתכם אזרה בגוים: “I will scatter you among the nations” (Lev. 26:33).
This is the beginning of one verse from a long and powerful passage (26:14–41) describing the terrifying consequences for the people of Israel if they fail to live up to their obligations under the covenant. It is an ominous depiction of suffering in history: disease, drought, famine so extreme it leads to cannibalism, military defeat, destruction of the land, exile, oppression, physical deterioration and psychological trauma.
The views expressed in this D’var Torah do not necessarily reflect the position of Leo Baeck College.