By: Nelly Ben Tal
Senior Israel Community Emissary (Shlicha)
Parashat Re’eh, the fourth portion in the book of Deuteronomy, captures a pivotal moment as Moses continues his address to the people on the brink of entering the Promised Land.
The parasha opens with the powerful words, “See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse,” presenting a clear choice: to follow God’s commandments and walk in God’s ways, leading to blessing, or to stray and pursue other gods, resulting in a curse.
Throughout Parashat Re’eh, Moses emphasizes the importance of the Temple, the designated dwelling place of God, and outlines key practices such as the offering of sacrifices, dietary laws, tithing, and the observance of the sabbatical year. The portion also calls for charity and care for the less fortunate, underscoring a commitment to social justice and compassion.
These themes remind us that our daily choices are significant and hold the power to shape not only our own lives but also the lives of our communities. Just as the Israelites were presented with a choice between blessing and curse, we too have the agency to choose our paths. Will we walk in the ways of goodness, charity, and concern for others, or will we stray from these values?
For me, the phrase “See, I am setting before you today” is a call for internal reflection. It prompts us to ask ourselves, “What choices am I making today that bring me closer to blessing and light? How can I strengthen my connection to my community and embody values of kindness?” It calls on us to become more attuned to the needs of others, offering charity with genuine love and care. The path of blessing is about more than just following laws; it involves cultivating a heart that is open, sensitive, and compassionate.
Rosh Chodesh Elul marks the beginning of the month of Elul, a time of gathering and renewal. It is both an ending and a beginning, a starting point for reflection and transformation. This month invites us to align our thoughts, actions, and intentions with values of compassion, kindness, and justice. This return is not merely about repentance for past mistakes; it is about reclaiming the person we could have been, unburdened by life’s pain, disappointment, and hatred. It is about reconnecting with the divine part within us—the loving, generous, aware, and appreciative self that values the world in all its beauty, treasures friendship, and cares deeply for others. We can recognize pain as a pathway to joy, transform disappointment into renewed hope, and embrace the journey of life with an open heart.
As I see it, this is the path of blessing that Parashat Re’eh sets before us, and this is the path we are called to choose as we step into the month of Elul.
May we all find the courage to choose the path of blessing and light.
“For One Who Does Not Believe” by Leah Goldberg, 1940
For one who does not believe
It is hard to live this year.
The fields are asking for a blessing,
The sea is asking for faith,
And you ask for nothing.
My heart sleeps its slumber,
And I too am asleep.
My dream is heavy with silence,
And the dead walk in my sleep
As though in an ancient fortress.
How will I awaken from my slumber
When there is no faith in my heart?
And you ask for nothing.
Please email Nelly Ben Tal at nbental@jewishcolorado.org with questions or comments.