LEAD TIDBIT:
Tochacha by any other name
The large passages of reproach in B’CHUKOTAI and KI TAVO that we know as TOCHACHA are not the only parts of the Torah that issue sharp warnings to the people not to stray from our belief and commitment to G-d. The second parsha of the SH’MA is a good example of another “Tochacha”, although we don’t identify it as such.

In last week’s sedra, the focus on the Sin of the Spies and the consequences of that terrible episode, serve as “Tochacha” for us, especially right before Tish’a b’Av. And the same can definitely be said for the part of Va’etchanan that is used as the Torah reading for Tish’a b’Av morning. When you have children and grandchildren and are established in the land, and you become decadent and turn to idolatry... [Note that it doesn’t say, IF... it says WHEN. G-d is saying that it will happen (doesn’t have to, we still have free choice to remain faithful to G-d).] If (or when) that happens, we will soon be lost from this land, we will be destroyed. The remnant of our people who will be scattered through- out the world shall return to G-d...

That’s the first part of the passage. But look at the rest. The majority of the Tish’a b’Av reading. G-d will not abandon you... Has any nation ever heard of a people with such a close relationship with G-d... G-d loved your ancestors and chose their children... took us out of Egypt, we are the ones who were shown and know that G-d is Supreme... G-d will provide for you...
Every word of reproach contains, is preceded by, or followed by uplifting messages and promises.