“Today you are all standing …” (Devarim 29:9)
Rashi: “Why is Parshas Nitzavim juxtaposed with the curses [in Parshas Ki Savo]? … Because when the Jewish People heard ninety-eight curses … they turned pale .… And Moshe started to appease them.”
Rav Leib Chasman ztz”l said: Because the purpose of the curses was that they should be afraid and since they were afraid … there was no need for them to be frightened .… Therefore Moshe appeased them. (Darchei Mussar — Rav Yaakov Neiman)
The Dubner Maggid compares this to a boy who becomes ill. The doctor decides that the boy has to vomit. But since he’s a pampered rich boy and doesn’t want to taste anything bitter the doctor commands the staff to cook various medicinal herbs in front of the patient. From the smell he will vomit and get well. Thus the Holy One … said curses before them until they were afraid from just hearing the curses and would not transgress.” (ibid.)
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