“It teaches us that our choices have far-reaching consequences”…
Parashat Re'eh, found in the book of Devarim (Deuteronomy), provides a framework for understanding and practicing selfless behavior. This portion of the Torah, which spans Devarim 11:26-16:17, addresses several key themes, including the importance of communal responsibility, tzedakah (charity), and the laws of kashrut. In choosing to follow HaShem's mitzvot (commandments), the Israelites are essentially choosing a life of selflessness. Obedience to the mitzvot often requires putting the needs of others before one's own. This idea is central to the Jewish understanding of communal responsibility and care for others. At its core, Parashat Re'eh calls on us to move beyond self-centeredness and to become more attuned to the welfare of others.
The opening verses of Parashat Re'eh present a stark choice: "See, I set before you today a blessing and a curse" (Devarim 11:26). This choice is not merely a personal one but is intrinsically tied to the community. The blessings come from following HaShem's commandments, which include laws designed to create a just and compassionate society. Conversely, the curses arise from turning away from these laws, leading to a breakdown in communal harmony.
This binary choice emphasizes that our actions impact not just ourselves but also those around us. When we choose to follow the commandments, particularly those that encourage us to care for others, we bring blessings to the entire community. This sets the foundation for unselfish behavior, recognizing that our decisions can either uplift or harm those around us.
One of the most explicit calls to selflessness in Parashat Re'eh comes in the discussion of tzedakah (charity). The Torah commands, "If there is a poor man among your brothers in any of the towns of the land that HaShem your G-d is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother. Rather be open handed and freely lend him whatever he needs" (Devarim 15:7-8).
This commandment is not just about giving to the poor; it is about how we give; it encapsulates the essence of unselfish behavior. The Torah urges us to give with an open heart, without resentment or hesitation. The act of giving to those in need is not just a social obligation but a spiritual one. This attitude reflects a deep level of unselfishness; an understanding that what we have is not truly ours, but rather a trust from HaShem to be used for the good of all. The act of giving becomes an expression of solidarity with those in need, a way of sharing in their struggles and easing their burdens. Tzedakah in Judaism is more than just giving money; tzedakah is about creating justice and ensuring that everyone in the community has what they need to live with dignity. This commandment encourages us to adopt a mindset where the well-being of others is as important as our own, if not more so.
Parashat Re'eh also includes the laws of the Shemita (Sabbatical) year, during which debts are forgiven, and the land is allowed to rest. The Shemita year is a radical expression of selflessness on both an economic and spiritual level. By releasing debts, the wealthy relinquish their financial hold over the poor, allowing for a more equitable distribution of resources. This act is not just about economic justice; it is a profound demonstration of trust in HaShem and a commitment to communal welfare over individual gain.
The laws concerning the Shemita year teach us that true selflessness often requires sacrifice. It challenges us to let go of our desire for control and accumulation, trusting that in doing so, we create a more just and compassionate society. These laws teach us about the impermanence of material wealth and the importance of compassion over commerce. It is a reminder that selflessness sometimes means giving up what we might otherwise be entitled to, for the greater good of society.
Interestingly, Parashat Re'eh also emphasizes the importance of joy in unselfish acts. When discussing the pilgrimage festivals, the Torah commands, "You shall rejoice before HaShem your G-d" (Devarim 12:12, 12:18, 14:26). This joy is not just a personal feeling but a communal experience. The festivals are times when everyone, including the less fortunate, is invited to partake in the celebrations.
This teaching suggests that selflessness should not be a burden but a source of joy. When we give to others, when we act for the benefit of the community, we create an environment of shared happiness. This joy reinforces the bonds between us and reminds us that our welfare is deeply connected to the welfare of others.
Parashat Re'eh provides a powerful framework for understanding selflessness. It teaches us that our choices have far-reaching consequences, that true generosity comes from an open heart, that selflessness often requires sacrifice, and that joy can and should accompany our acts of giving.
In a world that often promotes self-interest and individualism, Parashat Re'eh calls us to a higher standard. It challenges us to see beyond our immediate desires and to consider the impact of our actions on the broader community. By following the teachings of this parashah, we can cultivate a life of selflessness, bringing blessings not just to ourselves but to all those around us.
Parashat Re'eh also emphasizes the centralization of worship in "the place which HaShem your G-d will choose" (Devarim 12:5), which later becomes Jerusalem. This centralization fosters unity and a sense of communal identity. The Israelites are instructed to bring their offerings to this central location, ensuring that everyone, regardless of status, has the opportunity to participate in communal worship and celebrations. This directive is a call to move beyond individualism and towards a collective expression of faith and devotion. It underscores the idea that true worship of HaShem is not just a personal act but one that involves and benefits the entire community.
Parashat Re'eh provides a blueprint for understanding unselfish behavior as integral to living a life in accordance with HaShem's commandments. Through the choices we make, the tzedakah we give, and the communal ties we strengthen, we are encouraged to live beyond ourselves. The Torah teaches that such selflessness is not only a path to personal blessing but also the foundation of a just and compassionate society. In our own lives, we can draw inspiration from Parashat Re'eh to cultivate unselfishness in our actions and attitudes. By prioritizing the needs of others and embracing the communal over the individual, we align ourselves with the values that this Torah portion so powerfully conveys.
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