As the Jewish people prepared to enter the Promised Land, Moses shared a message with them that continues to speak to every generation, including ours:
“See, I give you today a blessing and a curse” (Deuteronomy 11:26).
Every word in this short statement matters.
“Blessing” reminds us that there is goodness in the world, placed within our reach.
“Curse” reminds us that there are negative forces we must reject and overcome. Being moral means recognizing the difference between good and bad—and choosing good.
“You” teaches that the choice is ours. We are responsible for what we do with the world placed in our hands.
“Today” tells us that our choices matter now. Their impact is not reserved for some distant future; it begins today.
But the most important word is the first: “See.”
Sight has a certainty that hearing and understanding do not. We may hear something convincing and still have questions. But when we see something ourselves, it becomes real.
That is why the prophets describe the Messianic era as a time of seeing: “Your eyes will see your Master” (Isaiah 30:20), and “All flesh together will see that the mouth of G‑d has spoken” (Isaiah 40:5). The world will not merely believe in G‑d. We will see the Divine truth within everything.
This is the message of the Torah portion Re’eh, which means “See.”
See the blessing. Recognize the goodness of G‑d, the world, and your own soul. The goodness is already there. Open your eyes and see it.
See the curse for what it truly is: a challenge meant to awaken your deepest strength and commitment. Darkness is only the absence of light. When we bring light, the darkness itself can be transformed into blessing.
See yourself. Know who you are: a child of G‑d, given the ability to become His partner in perfecting the world. Many of our limitations begin when we fail to recognize our own potential.
And see today. Do not leave goodness and G‑dliness as abstract ideas. Look for them in the world around you and bring them to light now.
In recent years, the Rebbe repeatedly asked: What remains to be done?
Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Aaron, David, Solomon, Elijah, Ezra, Maimonides, the Baal Shem Tov, and generations of Jewish people each did their part to make this world a home for G‑d.
We experienced the Exodus and the Revelation at Sinai. We entered the Promised Land and built the Holy Temple. We studied Torah, spread across the world, endured exile and persecution, and survived the Holocaust.
What remains?
The Rebbe said over 30 years ago that everything is ready.
We only need to open our eyes and see.
So I ask you, dear reader, what does opening your eyes and seeing mean to you?
Email me at [email protected] - I would love to hear your thoughts.
Shabbat Shalom/Good Shabbos
Rabbi Yitzi Hein