By: Jillian Feiger
Director of Teen and Israel Engagement
This week’s Torah portion, Re’eh, opens with Moses’ final address to the Israelites: “See, I set before you today a blessing and a curse.”
Moses speaks with striking clarity. He reminds the Israelites that their lives are not shaped by fate alone, but by the choices they make each day. Blessing comes when they live with purpose and alignment, while turning away leads to curses. What is remarkable is that although Moses speaks to the entire nation, he uses the singular word Re’eh, which translates to “See.” It is as though he is speaking directly to each individual, urging every person to open their eyes, to take responsibility, and to recognize the power they hold in shaping their own lives and the life of the community.
This teaching is timeless. In a world that can often feel uncertain or beyond our control, Re’eh reminds us that our choices matter. How we speak to one another, how we show kindness, how we contribute to the well-being of our community—these decisions shape the blessings we experience together.
As we welcome Shabbat, Re’eh invites us to pause and truly “see” and notice the opportunities before us, to choose with intention, and to embrace the responsibility of living with vision and purpose. May this Shabbat be a time to see more clearly, to choose with wisdom and compassion, and to bring greater blessing into our lives and our community.
Please email Jillian Feiger at jfeiger@jewishcolorado.org with questions or comments.