SHABBAT RE'EH

OPEN YOUR EYES AND SEE

 If you establish a Jewish spiritual discipline for yourself, you will not be led astray. 

By Rabbi Kerry M. Olitzky

"You can therefore see that I am placing before you both a blessing and a curse. The blessing will come if you obey the commandments of the Lord your God which I am prescribing you today" (Deuteronomy 11:26-27).

The blessing does not come as a reward for observing the commandments. The blessing emerges out of the observance itself.

While this portion addresses numerous issues, it is primarily focused on two important ingredients in Jewish life: Jewish dietary laws and the observance of the pilgrimage festivals. Some may, therefore, read this portion simply as the laws and regulations of these two pivotal areas of Jewish religious life. Just another group of complicated things to follow-more barriers for entering the Jewish community.

For me, however, the principles articulated in this portion are more about establishing a spiritual discipline for living. It also provides us with the parameters that prevent us from worshiping other gods, the real fear of the Bible and of this portion-which forms its remainder. If you observe the dietary laws and celebrate the festivals that have shaped the Jewish psyche (read: if you have established a Jewish spiritual discipline for 

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