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Home -> 5759 -> Re'eh

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum
In Re'eh, 5759

Three times a year all your males should appear before Hashem, your G-d, in the place that He will choose. (16:16)

The Shalosh Regalim are spiritually uplifting times, when we celebrate with Hashem.  The Torah enjoins us to come to the Bais Hamikdosh during each of the festivals to experience the holiness and joy of the moment, in the city and edifice where the Shechinah reposes.  The Torah mentions the mitzvah of Aliyah l’Regel, going up to Yerushalayim on Yom Tov, three times.  There is an inconsistency in the text concerning the manner in which the Torah refers to Hashem in each of these three presentations.  In our parsha, He is referred to as “Hashem, your G-d”.  In Parshas Mishpatim (Shemos,…

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Home -> 5759 -> Re'eh

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum
In Re'eh, 5759

Therefore, I am commanding you, saying, open your hand to the needy and poor breathren in your land. (15:11)

Generally, the word “leimor,” saying, is used when the speaker wishes to have his words conveyed to others.  This approach creates a problem in regard to this pasuk’s translation.  It would seem that Hashem is saying, “I command you to say – you shall open your hand to the needy and poor.”  This does not translate smoothly.  Why would Hashem instruct us to say, “You should open your hand to the needy and poor”? To whom should we say this?  The Vorker Rebbe, zl, explains that the mitzvah of tzedakah consists of two aspects.  First and foremost is the actual…

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Home -> 5759 -> Re'eh

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum
In Re'eh, 5759

Safeguard and hearken to all these words… In order that it will be well with you and your children… When you do what is good and right in the eyes of Hashem, your G-d. (12:28)

Gemillas chesed, performing acts of loving kindness, is unquestionably the most rewarding type of deed one can perform.  They are rewarding in both a material and spiritual sense.  Classic Rabbinic material is replete with references to the merit one engenders for himself when he helps others.  Each different category of chesed is demanding in its own unique manner.  Visiting the sick and infirm means more than getting into a car or sending flowers.  It means empathizing with the sick person, feeling his pain and easing his burden.  Probably the most important message we can convey to a sick individual that…

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Home -> 5759 -> Re'eh

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum
In Re'eh, 5759

See, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse. (11:26)

Life presents us with one of two extreme situations:.  We either evoke  blessing, so that everyone looks up to us, respects our word, and reveres our religion; or, we symbolize curse, dust of the earth, to be stepped upon and trampled.  The Vilna Gaon, zl, notes that the word “Re’eh” is written in the singular.  He explains that the Torah speaks to each individual.  Man is not judged by the deeds of society as a whole.  Rather, Hashem judges each individual according to his own actions.  Do not see yourself reflected in the world.  Avraham preached to an entire world. …

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