VOLUME 117 NUMBER 4
Av 28, 5785
August 22, 2025
Parshas Re’eh
Candlelighting Time 7:28
The verse states that Hashem sets in front of us a blessing or curse. Initially the Torah seems to address the individual expressing ‘You’ in the singular form saying that one should realize the opportunity of blessing or curse. Yet the verse concludes that Hashem places in front of ‘You’ in a plural context. Why does the Torah change from the singular to the plural. Chasam Sofer explains that each and every person must view himself in a very precarious situation at the time and place of each and every action and deed. As Maimonides states, the world is in a balance where any given action can potentially create havoc by positioning the world in a negative balance where there are more sins then mitzvos. On the other hand, a person has the opportunity to stabilize the world and create a positive environment with more mitzvos then sins. This obligation hangs heavily over the head of all of us and is hinted to in this opening phrase in the parsha. The verse reads ‘See yourself’ and realize that the next action performed can either destroy the world or save it. Furthermore, one should not think that only the most prominent individuals are in control of the world’s balance, because as Nefesh HaChaim writes that each person’s deeds are extremely valuable in the ultimate equilibrium of the world. As we are on the eve of the month of Elul, the month of preparation for the Day of Judgment, Rosh Hashanah, we begin to turn our focus on the importance of this time of the year and ready ourselves to rectify those parts of our lives that are perhaps not in order as they should be.
Ksav Sofer adds a profound message that Maimonides and Nachmonides mention that when the Torah discusses a reward for doing mitzvos the idea is to give support to those who are fulfilling the mitzvos. They should understand that Hashem will provide for them in order to give them the ongoing ability to serve Hashem. This concept extends to the Land of Israel. It is referred to as the palace of the King, Hashem, because it is equipped for accomplishing Hashem’s Will. Although one could abuse that opportunity, Hashem gave us the opportunity to live there because of its innate sanctity and proximity to Hashem. Obviously, the utility of the tools Hashem gives us is a general gift but the individual has the capability to use it to the fullest of his personal ability. Therefore, the verse states that ‘You’ the individual, realize that although Hashem affords to the nation as a whole tremendous prospects of success and accomplishment, each person should appreciate and employ that which Hashem presents to his own personal achievement.
Netziv cites an incredible Midrash pointing out that we can create our setting of blessing when we select to do mitzvos and serve Hashem. However, from Hashem evil does not originate. In other words, the Midrash seems to be saying that when we do a mitzvah Hashem sends His blessing to us and creates for us an environment of blessing due to our adherence to His Will. However, the adverse, when a person veers off the beaten path and ignores the Torah the evil that he produces does not emanate from Hashem, rather the perpetrator is responsible for his own evil milieu that he has formed.
A BYTE FOR SHABBOS
Each person innately realizes the blessing that is available for him. Rather one needs to tap into his inner self and utilize that resource that Hashem gave him. S’FAS EMES
GOOD SHABB0S
