Torah – Deuteronomy 11:26-16:17 Haftarah – Isaiah 54:11-55:5 Brit Chadashah – John 7:37-52
Parashat (portion) Re’Eh (to see) launches a series of studies that coincides with the lead up to the High Holy Days beginning with Rosh HaShanah, then Yom Kippur and finally Sukkot.
The Divine inspiration of the division of these Torah portions never ceases to amaze me. Re’Eh always comes just prior to or at the very beginning of the month of Elul. At sundown this evening is when we officially begin to look at Re’Eh and it is also the Rosh Kodesh or head of the month, in this case the month of Elul.
Elul is known as a month of repentance leading up to Rosh HaShanah which is also known as Yom Teruah (Feast of Trumpets.) Additionally, it is the beginning of 40 days of repentance leading up to Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.
The Father is not willing that any should perish and this gift of a month long “heads up,” if you will, is an amazing gift He gives an order that we might not be caught unaware!
It is also worthy to note that the sages teach that during this time the “King is in the Field.” While we as believers can come boldly unto the Throne anytime, there is still something special about the access we have during this special time where He, the King, is in the field and is extra attentive to the slightest move towards repentant hearts.
Deuteronomy 11:26-28, “Behold, I set before you today a blessing and a curse: 27 “the blessing, if you obey the commandments of the L-RD your G-d which I command you today; 28 “and the curse, if you do not obey the commandments of the L-RD your G-d, but turn aside from the way which I command you today, to go after other gods which you have not known..”
Typically, when we see a call to the people to keep or observe the Commands we see the Hebrew word, “Shema.” This word literally translates as “hear AND Do.” Other places we are told to “know” or “understand.” In this case, we are directed to “see.”
In a way, this brings the Commands into a tangible and somewhat palpable reality to us. It all comes down to choice as well. Whatever we choose to do with the Words of HaShem (YHVH), we will see a correlating reality. Blessings for walking in His Way, and the curses for choosing to not walk in His Way.
May each of us readily accept the gift of the month of repentance known as Elul. May we spend this month realigning ourselves to “The Way” in which we ought to walk with our G-d. May we receive the call of this week’s parasha, Re’Eh, and begin to see with deep introspection where we are with our Father as wee see the results of our walk manifest in our lives. Shalom!