Parashat Re’eh (See or Look…)
D’varim (Deuteronomy) 11:26-16:19
Haftarah: Isaiah 54:11-55:5

In this week’s Torah portion, Parashat Re’eh, we are confronted with a fundamental truth: Our love for God should inspire us to honor and obey Him. When we truly understand God’s nature—His covenant, His boundless grace, and His unwavering faithfulness—our natural response should be to live in a way that reflects our commitment to Him. While it is true that our works do not earn us salvation, they are the natural outflow of a heart transformed by that salvation. The relationship between works and salvation is often misunderstood, but Scripture clearly teaches that while works do not save, they are the evidence of a redeemed life.

In Deuteronomy 11:26-28, God presents the Israelites with a clear choice:

See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse: the blessing, if you listen to the commandments of the LORD your God… and the curse, if you do not listen 

This principle echoes the choice given in Genesis 2 and underscores the importance of making wise decisions in our daily lives. God does not desire robotic obedience; rather, He has given us the freedom to choose, and with that freedom comes responsibility.

One of my favorite places to take my tour groups in Israel is Mt. Gerizim. When you stand on the mountaintop, you can see Mt. Ebal across the way, and it is powerful to read aloud the verses from Deuteronomy and discuss the importance of our daily choices.

As you stand there, one of the things that becomes very clear is that between these two high mountains lies a deep valley. It’s obvious that you cannot stand with both feet on each mountain—you must choose one or the other! I share this striking visual to encourage you to understand that you cannot have a foot on both mountains. You either choose God—the blessing that comes from obedience—or the other side, which represents the world and other gods, leading to curses.

Many people say to me, “Well Moran, we believe in Yeshua as the Promised Messiah, He is our Redeemer and He freed us from all of the curses.” While I agree with that statement, if we truly understand that Yeshua took upon Himself the curses we all deserve, then how much more should we desire to honor Him in the way we live our lives? 

As we explore Deuteronomy 12, we see a strong emphasis on the importance of carefully following God’s instructions. The phrase “as long as you live on the earth” is as relevant today as it was then. The Israelites were called to destroy the places of pagan worship and not to conform to the practices of the nations they would expel from the Land. This call to holiness and obedience is just as vital for us today as it was for them. We cannot be set apart for God if we do not know and follow His commandments.

Deuteronomy repeatedly mentions “the place which the LORD your God will choose…” a reference to Jerusalem. This is not just a spiritual metaphor; it points to a literal, physical location of profound significance. Isaiah’s Haftarah portion (54:11-55:5) speaks of a restored Jerusalem, highlighting the city’s future glory and importance. Jerusalem is central to God’s plan and is the city where He chose to place His name (2 Chronicles 6:6).

Too often, some try to spiritualize Jerusalem, but we must understand that it is a real, physical place with a divine destiny. Yeshua’s words echo the importance of Jerusalem: 

 “...but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.”
Acts 1:8

The Psalmist also reminds us how special Jerusalem is to God, and therefore should also be a priority for those who love Him:

If I forget you, O Jerusalem, may my right hand forget her skill. May my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth if I do not remember you, if I do not exalt Jerusalem above my chief joy.
Psalm 137:5-6

The restoration of Jerusalem is ongoing, but its ultimate fulfillment will come:

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband.
Revelation 21:1-2

Today, Jerusalem remains a city of conflict, but it is also a city of promise. As followers of God, we have a role in its preparation for its ultimate destiny. We may not always understand God’s ways, but we are called to align our hearts with His purposes. Jerusalem is not just a symbol; it is the city where God’s name dwells, and it will one day be the center of His eternal kingdom.

May we all reflect on the choices we make each day, ensuring they honor God and align with His will. Let us keep Jerusalem in our prayers and in our hearts, understanding its central role in God’s plan.

Shabbat Shalom,
Moran