BAIS HAVAAD ON THE PARSHA 5773 Parshas Ki Savo- Encroachment

In this week's parsha, the Torah relates the twelve curses that were applied for the transgression of certain prohibitions. One of these curses applied to one who moves the boundary line between him and his neighbor, essentially stealing his land. The meforshim (see Shu"t Maharshal 89 and Shu"t Yichal Yisrael 110) explain that this curse includes violators of unlawful encroachment. It is actually somewhat odd that the curse, a rather severe measure, applies to one who merely steals money. Usually we find that violators of monetary law are simply required to repay - they are not subject to a curse! This can be explained with the words of Ibn Ezra (Devarim 19:14) who explains that this violation is so severe because it leads to arguments, which further leads to injury, and could potentially lead to murder. PRINT VERSION CLICK HERE.