As we continue through Sefer Devarim, Moshe Rabbeinu stands before the people, preparing them for life in the Land of Israel. In last week’s parasha, Eikev, Moshe emphasized the importance of remembering Hashem’s kindness, keeping the mitzvot, and the consequences of forgetting God. These themes of choice, reward, and responsibility flow directly into Parashat Re’eh, where Moshe presents the people with a stark choice between blessing and curse, and lays out the foundations for a holy society in the land.
Parashat Re’eh opens with Moshe’s declaration that Hashem is placing before the people a blessing and a curse: the blessing if they obey God’s commandments, and the curse if they turn away (דברים יא:כו-כח). Upon entering the land, the people are to proclaim these blessings and curses on Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal. The parasha then details the laws that will shape Israelite society:
- Destroy all places of idol worship in the land, and do not worship Hashem in the manner of the nations. Instead, God will choose a central place for His worship, where sacrifices and offerings must be brought (דברים יב:ב-יד).
- It is permitted to eat meat outside of sacrificial contexts, but blood must never be consumed. The laws of tithes and offerings are repeated, emphasizing that certain portions must be brought to the chosen place.
- Warnings are given against idolatry: even if a prophet or dreamer performs signs but encourages idolatry, he must not be listened to. Similarly, if a close relative or an entire city turns to idolatry, they must be punished severely (דברים יג:ב-יט).
- Prohibitions against self-mutilation and eating non-kosher animals are reiterated. The Torah lists kosher and non-kosher animals, fish, and birds, and repeats the prohibition of cooking a kid in its mother’s milk.
- The laws of tithes are detailed: every year, a tenth of produce is to be eaten in Jerusalem, or redeemed for money if the distance is too great. Every third year, the tithe is given to the poor.
- The mitzvah of shemitat kesafim (release of debts) in the seventh year is commanded, along with encouragement to lend generously to the poor, and the laws of freeing Hebrew slaves after six years of service.
- The parasha concludes with the laws of the firstborn animals, and the command to celebrate the three pilgrimage festivals—Pesach, Shavuot, and Sukkot—at the chosen place, with all their details and requirements.
One of the most striking features of Parashat Re’eh is its repeated emphasis on the power of choice. The parasha opens with Moshe’s words:
Ramban (Nachmanides) explains that the Torah is not only describing a one-time event, but a constant reality: every day, each of us stands at a crossroads, able to choose blessing or curse through our actions. The Torah’s detailed laws—about worship, food, charity, festivals—are not just rules, but opportunities to build a society rooted in holiness and compassion. The choice is not abstract; it is lived out in the marketplace, the home, and the sanctuary.
Rav Kook adds that the command to destroy idolatry and centralize worship is not only about eradicating false beliefs, but about unifying the people around a shared spiritual center. When we choose to serve Hashem together, we create a society where blessing can truly dwell. Parashat Re’eh challenges us: Will we choose to see the opportunities for blessing in our daily lives, and will we build a community worthy of God’s presence?
Created by Rabbi Ari (AI)