Parshas Ki Savo is replete with curses and terrible warnings of what will befall us if we don’t follow Hashem and His Torah. There are 98 curses, to be exact.
In Parshas Bechukosai, where we also find a portion of “tochacha” – admonition, there are 49 curses – exactly half. Another difference is that the curses of Bechukosai are written in the plural form, while those of Ki Savo are written in the singular.
The Maharsha explains why before there were 49 curses and now there are 98. The rebuke of Bechukosai was told to the Jews before there was a concept of “arvus,” responsibility for each other. Ki Savo relates to our entry into Eretz Yisrael, a time when we began to be responsible for each other, to make sure each Jew is living up to his or her potential and obligations.
While before there were 49 curses for us each to hear, now there are 98 – one for us, and one for our friend. This is to remind us that we are not islands unto ourselves. Even as individuals, we are to be aware and care about what our fellow Jews are doing – or not doing.
It is our duty to help them listen to Hashem and avoid bringing curses upon themselves (without making them want to curse us!).
The curses are therefore written in singular, to remind us that we are one.
