Parashat Re'eh: The choice to choose

The Jewish yearly cycle brings the Torah portion Re'eh, typically read at the start of Elul, a month dedicated to mercy and forgiveness. This period encourages a pause for introspection, reflecting on the past year and setting intentions for the one to come.

The opening verses of Re'eh, "See, I set before you today a blessing and a curse: the blessing, if you heed the commandments of the Lord your God… and the curse, if you do not heed the commandments of the Lord your God" (Deuteronomy 11:26-28), distill life's complexities into a fundamental principle: the power of choice. This concept, known as the "point of choice," highlights the constant struggle and temptation humanity faces.

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See, I set before you today a blessing and a curse: the blessing, if you heed the commandments of the Lord your God… and the curse, if you do not heed the commandments of the Lord your God

Humanity has long grappled with profound questions about truth, the nature of a proper life, and how to make correct choices. The world's dazzling temptations can obscure clarity, leading individuals to choose a path of curse and death without realizing it. While most who observe the Torah have conquered certain temptations, like desecrating Shabbat or eating non-kosher food, each person faces unique struggles based on their level and circumstances.

Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz emphasizes the obligation for each person to identify their personal "point of choice." This is the area where their individual struggle is most intense. By examining their actions through the lens of truth, they can determine whether their path leads to life or death. Early sages offer a simple explanation for mistaken choices: the assumption that choices are predetermined, diminishing their significance.

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I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day… I have put before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live