The choice is ours

 Re’eh

Deut. 11:26 - 16:17

 

Précis: Moses begins by quoting God, saying “Behold (re’eh), I set before you a blessing and a curse this day.” The blessing flows from observance of the laws and the curses result from violations. The parasha includes a prohibition against self-mutilation, a biblical basis of the laws of kashrut, tithing so that the needs are met for the Levites, the “stranger, the fatherless, and the widow.” Remission of debts, freeing of Hebrew slaves, and the dedication of firstborn cattle are discussed​. 

 

Deut. 11:26-28 “See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse - the blessing if you obey the commands of the Lord your God that I am giving you today; the curse if you disobey the commands of the Lord your God and turn from the way that I command you today by following other gods, which you have not known.”

 

Deut. 30:15, Deut. 30:19 “See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil... choose life, that you and your offspring may live.

 

Rabbi Sacks notes that having set out the broad principles of the covenant, Moses now turns to the details (Rabbi Sacks Legacy 8/21/25)​.

​           Maimonides views these two passages as the basis for our belief in freewill (Hilchot Teshuvah 5:3), ​and Sacks suggests that the passages are something more: a political statement. There is a connection between individual freedom (which Maimonides is talking about) and collective choice (which Moses is talking about). If humans are free then they need a free society within which to exercise that freedom.

            Moses summons the people to humility and responsibility, recognizing that Israel is not great in conventional terms, but great in moral terms. Moses insists on three things. First, we are free, and our fate is in our hands. Second, we are collectively responsible. The fate of Israel depends on the response of Israel, all Israel, and not only its leaders. (This may be the origin of America’s phrase “We, the People.”)  Third, it is a God-centered politics (a “theocracy.)” Biblical Israel is the first example in history of an attempt to create a society to answer the questions: how can freedom and responsibility be shared equally by all? How can limits be placed on the power of rulers? Jews were the first to believe that an entire nation could govern itself in freedom and equal dignity. This has nothing to do with political structures (monarchy, oligarchy, democracy – we have tried them all), and everything to do with collective moral responsibility.

As Sacks sums it up: “We have never quite achieved the vision, but we have never ceased to be inspired by it. Moses’ words still challenge us today. God has given us freedom. Let us use it to create a just, generous, gracious society…. As Moses said: the choice is ours.”

 

Giving thanks through deeds

 Eikev

Deut. 7:12 - 11:25

 

Précis: Moses continues his recapitulation of the commandments to the people, reminding them to be obedient to God’s laws in their forthcoming struggle with the Canaanites. He describes in detail the blessings which God had already provided them and reminds them to bless and thank God for the bounty they receive.

 

Deut. 8:10 “When you have eaten your fill, and have built fine houses to live in, and your herds and flocks have multiplied . . . Remember that it is the Lord your God who gives you the power to get wealth . . .”

            In this verse, we have the proof-text (origin) for the recitation of the Birkat Hamazon, the grace after meals. This verse is also an important reminder that when we achieve material wealth, we should remember that our success is not due solely to our own efforts. Rather, God has given us the ability and opportunity to achieve. The verse implies that God gives us that opportunity when we observe God’s commandments, including those about treating the poor, the orphan, the widow, and the stranger with dignity and compassion.

            Recent studies have revealed that in the United States, 300 families control 20% of the wealth of our nation. This unprecedented concentration of wealth has led us to an era of oligarchy, far exceeding the Gilded Age of the late 19^th century. Even so, there is an important distinction between the present and the previous era. Then, oligarchs like Rockefeller, Carnegie and Vanderbilt were known not only as rich titans, but also as great philanthropists. Today’s version of the super-wealthy seems more intent on funneling their money into outrageous weddings, giant private estates, political black funds, and control of the media. They display an ongoing disregard for the message of our weekly reading.