Re’eh
To See
The weekly Torah portion is more than a story. It is a coded text with a specific energy and wisdom that can be personally applied to improve our lives each and every week.
Blessings and Curses
The parsha continues with Moses' second farewell speech to the Israelites. He urges them to "See!" and declares, "See, I set before you today a blessing and a curse."
In Hebrew, the word "see" is written in the singular, while "before you" is written in the plural. The mystics explain that each of us sees the world through our own unique and personal lens, yet all of our individual perceptions ultimately contribute to a shared spiritual destiny. Blessings come when we train ourselves to see the unity behind the apparent division and fragmentation of the physical world.
Moses teaches that if the people listen to the commandments they will receive blessings, and if they turn away from them, they will experience curses. G-d did not want humanity to receive the "bread of shame" - blessings that are unearned - so He gave us free will. By choosing to follow the commandments and by consistently making positive choices, with earn blessings, transform ourselves, and become the highest version of who we are meant to be.
From a spiritual perspective, even a curse can become a blessing in disguise. Our challenge is to develop the ability to see the opportunity hidden within every difficulty, even though that often requires patience, faith, and perspective. The negative inclination exists only to give us the opportunity to restrict reactive behavior, choose the Light instead, and ultimately receive greater blessings.
This parsha, Re'eh (Resh-Aleph-Hei), is the only Torah portion whose name is also one of the 72 Names of G-d. This creates a unique spiritual connection to the miraculous energy associated with the 72 Names (http://thehealinggift.com/chart).
Idols and Prophets
The portion continues with Moses instructing the Jewish people to eradicate idolatry and reject false prophets. Spiritually, we are reminded to keep our faith centered on the One Creator and not become attached to the temporary, physical things of this world.
Today's idols may look different than those of biblical times. They can include money, social media, status, fame, power, drugs, or even our own ego. There is nothing inherently wrong with possessing these things, but they become destructive when we begin to worship them or believe they are the source of our fulfillment.
Everything ultimately comes from G-d for our highest good. Lasting fulfillment can never be found by chasing external idols, but only through strengthening our connection to the Light.
Energy of Kosher
The parsha discusses in detail the laws of prohibited foods, identifying which animals, fish, birds, and insects may be eaten. It also introduces the prohibition against cooking an animal in its mother's milk, which forms the basis for separating meat and dairy.
Kabbalah teaches that this law reflects the interaction of two opposing spiritual energies whose mixture creates spiritual imbalance.
Meat, which is red in color, represents the Divine attribute of Gevurah - judgment, strength, and restriction. It is also associated with endings and mortality, as it becomes food only after an animal has died.
Milk, by contrast, is white and represents Chesed - sharing, mercy, and loving-kindness. It comes from a living animal and symbolizes continuity, nourishment, and life. Its ability to become yogurt, cheese, and other products further reflects its energy of ongoing transformation.
By keeping these opposing spiritual energies separate, we cultivate greater balance and harmony in the energy we bring into our lives through food.
Tithing and Riches
Moses continues by teaching the laws of tithing. It is important to understand that giving away one-tenth of our crops, income, or even our time creates a spiritual flow that helps remove negativity from our lives.
Giving with the consciousness of genuine sharing - without ego or personal agenda - draws blessings and protection to the giver.
Giving creates continuity. It allows us to become a conduit through which blessings can continually flow. The Hebrew word for tithe, Ta'aseir, closely resembles the word Titasheir, meaning you shall become rich. The sages teach that when we commit ourselves to giving beyond our perceived limitations, G-d provides the abundance necessary to fulfill that commitment.
Connecting to the Festivals
Moses concludes this section by reviewing the three pilgrimage festivals - Pesach, Shavuot, and Sukkot - each of which opens a unique spiritual window in the Hebrew calendar.
By reading about these festivals in this week's parsha, we are able to connect with their spiritual energy, even when they are not currently being celebrated.
The joy and elevated consciousness associated with each festival are meant to be experienced throughout the entire year. Moses says, "Rejoice on your festival—you, your son, your daughter..." By emphasizing "your," the Torah reminds us that these festivals are not merely historical commemorations or communal celebrations. They are deeply personal spiritual experiences that each of us is meant to internalize and carry with us every day.
Practical Tools for the Week
1. Choose to See the Good
When faced with a challenge or frustration this week, pause before reacting and ask yourself: "What blessing or opportunity might be hidden here?" Train yourself to look beyond the immediate circumstance and see with spiritual vision rather than emotional reaction.
2. Identify Your Idols
Take a few quiet moments to reflect on what has been demanding too much of your attention or defining your sense of self-worth. Whether it is work, money, social media, recognition, or control, consciously shift your focus back to your relationship with the Creator, remembering that all blessings ultimately flow from the Light.
3. Become a Conduit for Blessings
Perform one act of generous giving this week - whether through charity, sharing your time, offering encouragement, or helping someone in need - with no expectation of recognition or return. Give with the consciousness that the more freely blessings flow through you, the more space you create to receive them.
Have a great week!
Resources & Credits
The Weekly Wisdom emails and the ideas presented herein are compiled from the following sources:
Gutnick Edition Chumash with Rashi's commentary, Targum Onkelos, and commentary anthologized from Classic Rabbinic Texts and the works of the Lubavitcher Rebbe
Apples from the Orchard - Gleanings from the Mystical Teachings of Rabbi Yitzchak Luria on the Weekly Torah Portion
Kabbalistic Bible - Kabbalah Centre International, Inc
The Zohar - Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, various translations
Mysteries of the Kabbalah - Marc-Alain Ouaknin
Wikipedia
Other online written and video content that discusses and shares Kabbalistic Wisdom