YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- D'varim
- Re'e
Let's answer by asking another question! The Torah later says we should do "that which is good & right" (ha-tov v'ha-yashar), in the eyes of G-d. What is the difference between good & right? And why the eyes? Does Hashem really have "eyes," or is another message being sent?
Rashi comments that "good" means "good in the eyes of Heaven," while "right" means "right in the eyes of man." What Rashi seems to be saying is we have been given two eyes, rather than one, for a very good reason: We must, at all times, look up to the Heavens & be sure that we are acting in the way Hashem would want us to act.
But at the same time, it is not enough to seek approval for our actions in the Heavenly court alone. The way we act must also be palatable to those around us; how they look upon our behavior is also of paramount importance.
This requires us to constantly check our actions. Yes, G-d may love it when we exuberantly sing out in prayer to Him & loudly praise His name. But wait - how do the people davening next to us feel about it?! Are we impinging on their ability to pray undisturbed, with concentration?
And yes, it is a very noble thing, for example, to march for the cause of human rights. But if that march happens to be on a Saturday & so desecrates the Shabbat - have we truly brought honor & glory to Hashem's name & His commandment to respect & observe Shabbat?!
Now, perhaps, we can answer our initial question about the unusual combination of the singular & the plural in the opening sentence of Re'eh. Each of us has a personal, unique relationship with G-d, a one-on-One connection that accompanies us every moment of our lives. We must be true to that singular dynamic & appreciate just how special that makes each & every one of us.
But - we must also recognize that we are not alone in this world, we are part of a greater whole, a community, a worldwide family. What we do affects not only ourselves; it extends far & wide. Not only are we connected to Hashem; we are joined at the neshama with every other Jew. And so, we have to look & focus carefully in both directions & be "right" and "good" at the very same time.
Rabbi Stewart Weiss
Was ordained at the Hebrew Theological College in Skokie, Illinois, and led congregations in Chicago and Dallas prior to making Aliyah in 1992. He directs the Jewish Outreach Center in Ra'anana, helping to facilitate the spiritual absorption of new olim.
Jewish Laws and Thoughts Shul “etiquette:” can we honor Hashem while respecting our fellow congregants?
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Chukat "HOW ENTEBBE STOLE THE BICENTENNIAL
The Difference Between Historic & Eternal"
As we approach America's 250th birthday, it's worth remembering her 200th Bicentennial birthday, on Jul. 4th 1976, when Israel "stole the show" by shocking the world & miraculously saving 101 hostages in a foreign continent. As Pres. As Pres. Trump decides which countries get priority in his new Middle-East, it's worth reminding him of the difference between historic events and eternally historic ones. This obviously connects with this week's parsha, as well!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 6 - The Parable of the King of India
The advantages of testimony over circumstantial evidence or philosophical speculation.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 5- "Proofs of G-d"
This may be the most important class of the entire book, where we finally get to the Jewish proof of the existence of G-d and truth of the Torah. We should follow His own direction where He tells us how to get to Him: through the Nation of Israel: Jewish history, Jewish prophets (and today, prophecies fulfilled), and national reward & punishment towards Am Yisrael.
Ein Aya One Humanity, One Creator, One Jerusalem
Rav Kook innovatively and beautifully explains this aggadeta where our sages say that after Jerusalem was destroyed her cinnamon fragrance is only found locked in a particular kingdom's treasury.
Shlach Lecha "Why So Many Don't Make Aliya?" - Parshat Shlach
This short article deals with the weird phenomena that every single time Am Yisrael is meant to enter the Land of Israel, throughout the Tanach, 2nd Temple and until today, they "chicken out" and look for excuses. What's the problem with this mitzvah that proves so challenging. The article, based on sources, suggests that the difficulties of Eretz Yisrael is precisely her secret and beauty!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 4
The class deals with Islam and how the Muslim tries convincing the King of the Khazars, and why he was also rejected.
Beha'alotcha JEWISH STATE= GUIDE TO G-DLINESS & SELFLESSNESS
A Jewish State not only is a good idea, but educates us towards selflessness, altruism and G-dliness in our daily lives.
Ein Aya In Zion Even the Smoke of the Bark is Sweet
Just as Jewish nationalism is different from others, so too our capitol of Jerusalem is totally different than other national capitols. Rav Kook beautifully explains the passage in the Talmud that the trees of Yerushalayim were cinnamon trees.