There is so much more to see in the word re-eh as it's used in Parashat Re’eh (Deut.11:26-16:17). Re-eh means “see” but not to passively view our world with indifference. After all, the current realm we inhabit is called Assiah in the Kabbalah and that means The World of Action. We are to be engaged in building this world just as Adam was commanded to work and guard Gan Eden. Today, we might say that the word re’eh speaks of being interactive—especially when we acknowledge that we are co-creators with God. In the context of this parsha, the Jewish People are to be committed participants who will see the unfolding of the Creator's promises made to them and by extension, all of humanity.
The reader is familiar with gematria, a method that expands our understanding of Hebrew words via the numerical value shared by other Hebrew words. We see this in the word re'eh which carries the gematria of 206, the very same numerical value of the Hebrew, ool'masah, which translates as, "to set in motion" (see Numbers 10:2). We're all familiar with the popular idea that doing a good deed is to perform a mitzvah. Certainly, the observance of any mitzvah sanctifies the act, bringing blessings into physical realm and, sets in motion a ripple effect that nullifies a portion of the darkness in our world.
In Parashat Re'eh, Moses tells Israel, "I place before you today a blessing and a curse." Obviously Moses is speaking of Free Will, the life of perpetual choices—between good and evil but he frames it as visual metaphor seen in the mountains of Gerizim and Eval. The former is topped with lush greenery while the latter is arid and desolate even though both mountains are blessed with the same amount of moisture, wind, pollen and other environmental factors. Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch, commenting on this disparity, teaches us that the blessings and curses are not determined by external circumstances, rather they are according to our response to them. The symbolism of the mountains can also be understood in the way that, getting to the summit presents physical challenges, as well as different sides to ascend. In addition, our view is expanded as we climb and our perspective changes, hopefully, our understanding as well.
Moses instructs Israel, “When your God brings you into the land that you are about to enter and possess, you shall pronounce the blessing at Mount Gerizim and the curse at Mount Ebal.” (Deut 11:29). How fitting that they are to speak blessings and curses as they look at those mountains. The word re’eh (see) has the gematria of 206, also the same numerical value of the word d’var (speak).
Another aspect of re'he is to not only see but to observe, again denoting an active state. Further, the word "observe" is often employed to describe the act of performing a commandment. And in the English-speaking world, Orthodox Jews, those who keep many of the daily mitzvoth required by Torah, are known as Observant Jews. In Parashat Re'eh, Israel is cautioned to,"Observe all His commandments and neither add, nor take away from them." It's a stern reminder to be faithful in observance of all Torah mitzvoth, including Shabbat, wearing tefillin, keeping kosher and many other commandments that are supposed to be an integral part of daily life in eretz Israel.
Finally, the parsha closes with Moses' instructions to the nation to gather in Jerusalem three times a year to celebrate the major Hagim (Festivals) of Passover, Shavuot and Sukkot. In doing so, the nations of the world will ultimately see the Jewish People, living joyously in the land given to them by the Creator. They will see a nation of unwavering witnesses of His Oneness:
“Do not be frightened, do not be shaken!
Have I not from of old predicted to you?
I foretold, and you are My witnesses.
Is there any god, then, but Me?
“There is no other rock; I know none!”
Isaiah 44:8
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