The main part of the Tochacha (G-d's warnings and reproach) is harsh and very depressing. But, obviously and unfortunately, it needs to be said and repeated - in different ways - over and over again.
Milder forms of the Tochacha abound in the Torah, a notable example being the second passage of the Sh'ma - V'HAYA IM SHAMO'A. It too 'reminds' us of the rewards for keeping the Torah and being faithful to G-d... and of the consequences for turning our backs to Him.
In this mild form, we seem to be able to handle it and recite it twice a day. But the Tochacha of Ki Tavo (and of B'chukotai) are devastatingly harsh.
Yet, we need to hear and ponder these words as we approach Yom HaDin, Rosh HaShana. Not on the Shabbat immediately before RH. That would be too hard to handle, too depressing at such a delicate and sensitive time.
Chazal saw this and organized the weekly Torah readings to keep one Shabbat between Ki Tavo and Rosh HaShana and allow us to hear another milder version of the Tochacha in Parshat Nitzavim, which tempers its stern warnings with some very uplifting messages.
Much better for taking us into Rosh HaShana. Chazal accomplished the sedra juggl- ing by combining or splitting Nitzavim and Vayeilech, as needed. The Tochacha itself - over 50 p'sukim of it, is Step Three.
Part of that same step are the non-blessings spelled out some p'sukim earlier. Between the curses and the main body of the Tochacha, we find what we are calling Step Two. It consists of the positive possibilities which will result from staying faithful to G-d. When the Torah says that if we keep the mitzvot, etc. then we will be blessed and we will ascend in the world... This too is part of the Tochacha - not spelled out, not even hinted at, but rather implied by the not (yet) mentioned consequences of turning away from G-d.
If you do so- and-so, then good things will happen, implies the opposite as well. Just not yet spelled out. So what's this first step of the Tochacha? I get the idea of positive and negative being two steps to the process. What comes before that? The answer is, the opening of Parshat Ki Tavo.
When you come to the Land that HaShem is giving you... take the first fruits of the ground and put them in a basket... go to the special place that HaShem chose... Do the mitzva of Bikurim, recite the special passage... and be thrilled and delighted with all that G-d has given you... and share with the less fortunate. No 'if you do this then...' No threats of punishment. Just live as you should!
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