You Shall Rejoice
Chapter 11 – 47 R’eh- See. Deuteronomy 11:26-16:1
There is a way that seems right to a man, but at its end are the ways of death. Proverbs. 14:12
The Gutnick edition of the Chumash’s insights into the Hebrew word for ‘see; could fall into one of three categories: Plain obedience, Intellectual appreciation or Vision. The latter, “At this level, one does not merely appreciate the value of keeping the Torah’s precepts, one sees (re’eh) it. That is the necessity and positive results of observing the mitzvos becomes as clear and self-evident as seeing a physical object with one’s eyes,” (*1)
This parashat opens with Moses saying to Israel: ‘See, I present before you today a blessing and a curse,’ [Deu 11:26] This should remind us of what we already learn in Genesis chapter 2, especially verses 16 and 17. Man was given free will. ‘God said, Behold. I have given to you all herbage yielding seed that is on the surface of the entire earth, and every tree that has seed yielding fruit; it shall be yours for food”…. And יהוה God commanded the man saying, “of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but the tree of knowledge of good and bad, you must not eat thereof; …” [Gen 1:29 &Gen 2:16,17]
I maintain that we too often forget the above primordial history of mankind and this commandment [the fourth] given to man. It spells out our choice; our free will. It underlines the fact that we are neither robots nor puppets whose master pulls the strings. So often we contemplate the eternal question of evil; of bad things that happen, and we forever ask why? Let’s take an example of a contemporary problem in Europe. Europe is facing death of its culture and morals. They are trying to mix oil and water and turning a blind eye to the principle that we learn from the previous parashat: You shall not worship other Gods/cultures. They will be a snare for you. [Deu 7:16] the so called ‘honour killing’ of girls and women, and the female genital mutilation’ that lifelong robs the woman of any pleasure during the G-d sanctioned physical act, are being turned a blind eye to for the sake of so called political correctness. The west has fallen hook and sinker into the death trap of a foreign culture. Now, we you, have a choice, remember? Should you sanction or keep quiet regarding such barbaric acts that occur in your neighborhood/city/country? [See also Chapter 10 (*4)] In fact there is a lesson from history in the parashat Re’eh under discussion! Read the whole of chapter 13 in Deuteronomy! (*2) It also teaches us that an individual’s action can affect a whole community.
As before , I will not list or discuss the commandments that the Jews specifically had to do in Israel, i.e. the korbanot. (*3) I also do not list those that repeat some that has been commanded in previous Parshot of Deuteronomy.
The Comandments
- Deu 12:12 & 18; You shall rejoice before י-הוה you God, in your every undertaking.
- Deu 12:23, 15:23 Do not consume blood – for the blood, it is the life
- Deu 12:28 Safeguard and hearken all these words, in order that it will be well with you and your children after you forever.
- Deu 12:30-31b Do not burn your sons and daughters in the fire as heathens do, it is an abomination to יהוה your God. Abortion of babies that is so common today, is applicable here.
- Deu 14:1 & 2 You shall not cut yourselves and you shall not make a bald spot between your eyes for a dead person,
- Deu 14:3-21 You shall only eat kosher animals, fowls and fish
- Deu 15:7 You shall not harden your heart or close your hand against your destitute brother. Rather you shall open your hand to him; you shall lend him his requirement, whatever is lacking to him.
- Deu 15:12-18 & Exodus 21:1-6 Teach us regarding the proper and humane treatment of servants.
- Deu16:1-15 You shall keep G-d’s festivals: Pesach, Shavuot, Yom Teruha, Yom Kippur and Sukkot.
Comments regarding the above Commandments
[1] Deu 12:12 & 18 – Note how this commandment says ‘You shall rejoice before G-d – you, your sons, daughters, slaves and the Levite who is your cities. This obviously implies that יהוה our God should be known and worshipped by all in the community. That your belief in, love for and relationship with G-d is not just a private matter but should also be shared by your family and the community. Mentioning specifically also the Levite, adds a further dimension to this commandment. The Levites did not receive land in Israel. Their sole occupation was to serve G-d and the community had to care for their needs. (More details are to be found in Numbers and Leviticus) (*4) This paints quite an ideal picture of a community. How does one achieve this?
“The purest tzadikim (righteous individuals) do not complain about evil but instead increase righteousness. They do not complain about atheism but instead increase faith. They do not complain about ignorance but instead increase wisdom” [42.193]
“Good and upright is the LORD: therefore will He teach sinners in the way. The meek will He guide in judgment: and the meek will He teach his way. All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies”. Psalm 25:8-10
“To be good is to do good. God created the world so that others could enjoy it. Goodness is not an attribute of the soul but a way of acting and creating, creating happiness for other people, mitigating their distress, removing even a fraction of the world’s pain. We worship God spiritually by helping his creations physically.” [47.40]
To be able to “rejoice’ one needs to be happy and joyful. But is one always? No, we all experience times when we are down, sad or even fearful. But then G-d’s word teaches us not to be afraid, not to lose resolve and to trust G-d. [See Deu 2:34; 3:2; 3:22] The Israelites travelling through the wilderness had to lift their eyes and follow G-d’s pillar of cloud or fire. In Psalm 121:1,2 we read: I raise my eyes upon the mountains; whence will come my help? My help is from יהוה, Maker of heaven and earth,’ G-d’s word tells us that He is the Creator of everything. By being aware of His presence always and everywhere and admiring the beauty and marvels in creation: The light reflecting off the leaves; the cool breeze blowing through the trees; a dog lapping up water left by the rain and children playing and laughing. All this beauty and marvels lifts one’s spirit and help us to feel the nearness of G-d.
Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach is especially known by most people for his love and joy. He showed love for all people; young or old, believers and non-believers. Greeting someone “Shlomo’s face would pulsate with beaming joy, a gasp of delight would emerge from his mouth, and the person would be greeted, usually by name with “Holy brother/sister….Reb Shlomo’s decision to emphasize joy in his teachings and concerts drew directly upon the teachings of the Ba’al Shem Tov….’s emphasis on serving God with joy and living life joyously was both refreshing and revolutionary”. [49:48,75] (*5)
[2] Deu 12:23, 15:23- Not to eat blood is a commandment that is also important for Christians and new believers to adhere to. See Acts 15:20-21 where Shaul (Paul) clearly points out the important commandments that they, the new believers in the G-d of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and His word must keep from the outset is: “But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood. For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.” (See also Chapter 5)
[3] Deu 12:28 ‘Moses taught the people the process for spiritual accomplishment. First one must safeguard what one has learned, meaning that people must review the laws[משנה] so that the Torah becomes a part of them, and they do not stumble when questions arise. With that done they can hearken, I.e. perform the commandments properly. (Rashi)’ [11.1005] The fact that it is said: in order that it will be well with you and your children after you forever, clearly infers that by walking and living according to G-d’s way, and teaching our children to follow the Biblical way, will assure a good and secure future for them. One can think of many examples from history that confirm the truth and wisdom of this commandment. Just one example is how Europeans have treated non-Europeans. The fruits of which that we witness today.
[4] Deu 12:30-31b The Muslim Culture praises the sacrifice of their children because of some or other terrorist action or so called honour killing. This is because of the dreadful fanaticism of their Islamic belief. For them it may be right in the ‘eyes’ of their Allah, but it definitely is an abomination to י-הוה our God. They have a totally different view of the Biblical belief regarding the sanctity of life. Remember, the Ten Commandments does not appear in the Koran or any of their other writings.
Another example of their attitude towards people and cultures other than theirs is illustrated by the fact that after the fall of Rome it was especially Islam that practiced and used slavery as a form of Jihad; they were the main traders of Black Africans to the USA, and practice Slavery till today. “The legends of European slave raiders venturing into the jungles of Africa to capture free peoples are generally just that: myths….the far greater and longer-running Islamic slave trade into the Middle East has been so ignored as to make it one of history’s best-kept secrets….. One reason that very little has been written about the Arab involvement in slavery is that traditional Islamic culture still condones slavery” [24:10,11, see also p.5-45]
Is aborting our children any different when it’s done for idolizing modern society and its ways? Sadly and shockingly, news about the abduction of children and women is widely reported today. (*6)
[5] Deu 14:1 & 2 -The heathens and pagans cut and or pierce their skin and tattoo their bodies. The Torah here clearly says to us as believers of the G-d of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob ‘For sure you are a holy people to יהוה your God,’ and then specifically to Israel: ’Hashem has chosen you for Himself to be a treasured people, from among all the peoples, on the face of the earth.” Just as Israel had to be different from other peoples to be a light onto the nations, in the same way, you as a non-Jew following the way, the Torah of יהוה your God, need to in adhering to this commandment, show who your G-d is by not following this latest trend of tattooing and piercing your body which is a temple for G-d’s holy spirit. Compare for example Maoris, Africans, Egyptians and American Indians.
[6] That which made Jews definitely different from the surrounding heathen nations and later, European culture, is the keeping of Kosher. “Animal fat is also forbidden…We know that not eating blood pertains to eating only…a kosher animal whose blood has been properly drained. We also know that the phrase, ‘so that it will go well with you,’ is simply another way of saying ‘so that you will be blessed and experience an abundance of physical LIFE,’… They aren’t a matter of salvation; however, they are a matter of LIFE and Death. Its not a coincidence that many of today’s sicknesses and diseases are medically related to eating.” (*6)
Some time ago I watched a program about the restaurants in Venice that are famous for their mussel dishes. It also showed the huge market halls where these hundreds of bags of different colored mussels were sold. They said that vetting the acceptability of mussels for human consumption has become problematic because dishonest fishers go and catch mussels in the industrial areas which is forbidden. Mussels are not Kosher. Mussels act as filters for the ocean. All substances, bad and rotten, and heavy metals present in the sea, are consumed and filtered by mussels. This just once again underlined the wisdom of G-d. Another notable fact I recall was when Rabbi Osher Feldman told us during one of his classes, that throughout the thousands of years of history, no fish with scales but no fins, has ever been found. ( There are many amazing scientific facts recorded in the Bible, thousands of years before scientists discovered them).
Another amazing and interesting fact is the rout of the flow of blood: “In Kosher animals…the blood flowing in the vertebral artery joins with blood flowing in the front (carotid) artery. This results in absolutely no pain during ritual slaughter. In animals that the Torah forbids Jews to eat [i.e. pig, horse, rabbit] the blood flows directly from the vertebral artery to the brain. [ 37.154] Some European countries that are considering banning the Kosher slaughtering of animals, demonstrate their lack of knowledge of the Bible, the science of the process as explained here above as well as makes one suspect anti-Semitism may be also a motivation.
Read Leviticus 11:1-46 and Deu 14:3-21 for details of what are kosher animals.
[7] In Deu 15:11 it clearly states: ‘For destitute people will not cease to exist within the Land’ which Yeshua confirmed: ‘for you always have the poor with you’ [Matt 26:11] The Hebrew word Chesed encapsulates the meaning of caring for the poor very well. It means ‘loving kindness’, that what we associate with the heart of G-d. By caring and giving to the less privileged, we make this a better world and reflect G-d’s love and care.
[8] Deu 15:12-18 & Exodus 21:1-6 One obviously take in consideration all of Torah regarding the treatment of people that work for one. The Commandments commands that servants shall also rest on Shabbat; to love your neighbor as yourself. Treating a person with consideration, respect and kindness, is the Torah way. Unfortunately, even today there are people held as slaves in countries that do not worship the G-d of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. All throughout history, the bad, unfair and inhumane treatment of people, be they servants or employees, can be ascribed to the fact that Torah values were never applied. The fruit of which that we consequently have to deal with especially today.
[9] Deu16:1-15 Note these Festivals are called “G-d/-יהוה’s appointed festivals… holy convocations .. these are My appointed festivals’ (Lev 23:1,2). Two thousand years ago when the anti-Semitic Church referred to them as Jewish festivals, and incorporated the Pagan festival of queen Asherah/Ishtar as Easter, and the Pagan festival of the sun god and Tammuz and called it Christmas, the shadow images and true deeper meaning of these festivals were lost and forgotten. [See also Chapter 5 & 16]
Just as you, as believer in and follower of יהוה, the Creator and our G-d, need to keep the seventh day as a Shabbat, likewise you are supposed to keep his Festivals. Details of which can be found in Ex 12:1 and Lev 23:1-44. My contention is, rather than make up your own customs and rituals, learn from the Jews how to keep these ‘holy convocations’. The following is a significant verse: “it shall be that all who are left over from all the nations who had invaded Jerusalem, will come up every year to worship the king יהוה, Master of Legions, and to celebrate the festival of Succos. And it shall be that whichever of the families of the land does not go up to Jerusalem to bow down before the king, יהוה, Master of the Legions there will be no rain upon them…” [Zech 14:16,17]
In Deu 16:14 we are instructed ‘You shall rejoice on your festival’ having a festival together with the community, enhances a spirit of joy and gladness. It reminds one of Psalm 100 A Psalm of praise. “Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name. For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endures to all generations.” (see also Chapter 16)
What we learn from the narrative
In Deu 12:2 we read that Israel was commanded ‘You shall utterly destroy all the places where the nations that you shall possess worshipped their gods..’ They unfortunately did not do this. Throughout their history that we read of in the books of Judges, Samuel, Kings and Chronicles, we see how again and again they veered off the path, and we read again and again how this or that king did what was bad in the eyes of G-d. We do the same when we allow a house of prostitution, cults and for example public display and honoring of what is an abomination to G-d be paraded down town. I then have an image of G-d crying, seeing what His people that are supposed to be holy unto Him, allow.
Multiple times it is mentioned in this parshat that the land , Israel , is their inheritance as was promised to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob: Deu 11:31 It makes it so obvious that the UN and the international community do not know or respect the Bible!
Just as important is the repetition of ‘at the place that יהוה, Your God, will choose from among all your tribes, to place His name there, shall you seek out His Presence and come there.’ Deu 12;5&; 12:4,11; 12:21; 14:23-16:2,11; 15:20, 16:6. This is referred to as HaMakom, The Place and this is of course Jerusalem. How could there be any argument about this?
Keeping the 7th year as a Shmitta, the remission of debt, and the three yearly tithes and males going up to Jerusalem three times a year, are all commandments that Israelites are bound by. Yet farmers all over the world have learned the benefit of letting the land rest for a season. Interestingly recently an economist in New York stated that practicing the law of ‘remission of debt’ could greatly benefit the debt ridden American economy.
What we learn from the Hebrew
We are G-d’s trustees and therefore our obligation is to give charity and kindness. The more often you give, the more it becomes second nature. The fact that it will have a positive effect on you is hidden in the gematria of the Hebrew word. Giving charity is צדקה The root צדק is related to words that means: objective justice, being righteous, being dutiful, clemency and satisfy the rightful need. ק=100 and צ = 90 + ה = 5 + ד = 4. Therefore, giving guarantees getting plentiful in return. As Deu 15:10 says: ‘You shall surely give him, and let your heart not feel bad when you give him, for in return for this matter, Hashem, your G-d, will bless you in all your deeds and in your every undertaking’. (*7)
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This Parashah Re’eh, ‘See’, “is a perennial reminder to all of us that even our vision alone can bring virtue or vice. Let us look at the world correctly and invite the blessings of G-d into our lives… The Talmud states categorically ‘the reward for Mitzvot is not in this world at all’ Ultimate accountability is reserved for the world to come… the G-dly way of life is not only a pathway to Paradise in the hereafter, but is in itself a blessing for us in the here and now.”[33.207,209]
*1 Re’eh/See. Livingwaters.com. Ardelle Brody
*2 After an initial reading of Chapter 13 in this Parshat, it sounded like ancient history that befell Israel, and I kept asking myself if it applies today. And then as I started writing this chapter, contemplating Moses’s opening words, it suddenly struck me that we in the West are experiencing exactly what Israel is warned about and to which most of chapter 13 is devoted to.
*3 Karbanot (plural)refers to the various offerings, incorrectly translated as ‘sacrifices,’ that were offered up at the Temple. The word korban means ‘to draw closer.’ Therefore, it is in fact an act of drawing closer to G-d.
*4 Note, in the Chumash we learn that there is no special obligation to support the Levites in the diaspora.
*5 Baal Shem Tov lived 1698 to 1760.
*6 See ‘Navy Seal exposes Trafficking’ at Michael@michaelrood.tv
*7 Robinson, Tony. Re’eh, Parshat HaShuvua, Restoration of Torah Ministries.