From the Chassidic Master

The sages of the Talmud disagree on the point in Jewish history at which time the obligation to bring bikkurim ("first fruits") came into effect; the Rebbe sees their debate as a lesson on the nature, uses and hindrances of knowledge and consciousness

The 98 curses of the "Rebuke" prompt the question: Does G-d really "punish" us for our misdeeds, like a parent at his wits' end as to what to do with a troublemaking child? Or is there some deeper current that moves beneath the tides of pain and suffering that sweep our world?