* Translated by Janine Muller Sherr
The following words are dedicated in memory of the hostages murdered by Hamas whose bodies were recovered in Gaza.
The opening verse of Parashat Re’eh, which we read this past Shabbat, is not only a verse but a statement that embodies an entire world view. This verse encapsulates fundamental life principles. Let us study these words together.
“Behold, I set before you (on) this day the blessing and the curse.”
“Behold (See)”—in the second-person singular. God turns to every individual personally and tells him or her to stop and reflect on the following essential principle.
“I set”—Do not cast blame on others; I am giving you the ability to make an impact on this world.
“Before you”---From the singular (“see”), we now move to the plural (“before you”). Even the smallest one of your actions affects the people around you. You cannot detach yourself from the community---you are an intrinsic part of the whole.
“On this day (today)”--- Not thousands of years ago in the desert, but today, at this very moment. At every moment, you are given the choice how to act. This is not a historic event but a daily one---it’s happening now.
“The blessing and the curse”---The freedom of choice is in your hands; to choose between the blessing and the curse, between good and evil. Did you fail to make the right choice? Go back one word in this verse and remind yourself that, today and every day, you are given the opportunity to start anew.
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