TorahParsha

Judaism in theory and in Practice

for Parshat Re'eh

 

i

The first time we learn

of the Sabbatical year

is in the Desert,

at Sinai.

 

God says:

Every seven years

when you come to the Land

give the Land its Sabbath,

give the Land rest,

let the fields lie fallow.

Know that the Land is God's,

that nothing is truly yours.

 

ii

At the edge of the Land

when the people are about to settle it

Moses speaks of the Sabbatical year again.

There, he does not speak

of fallow land.

He only says:

Every seven years

forgive each other's debts.

iii

When the Land is far away

a concept from the mountaintop

we speak of kindness to God's Land.

When we go to settle it

we speak of kindness

to the Land's people.

 

iv

Come close,

and God's Land

becomes the people of God's Land.

 

Come close, and you cannot distinguish

between honoring God's world

and honoring people.

 

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Shabbat shalom,

Abe

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Leviticus 25:1-7; Deutoronomy 15:1-3

Inspired by Rabbi Menachem Liebtag

www.TorahParsha.com

 

Thought for Parshat Re'eh

Are we universalists?

 

i

Moses says: When you come to the Land—

Stand upon Mount Grizim. Pronounce blessing for following God’s ways.

Stand upon Mount Eival. Pronounce curse for defying God’s ways.

*
Moses says:

Do not be like those who worship upon the high mountains and on the hills, and under every leafy tree.

Worship at the place that God will choose.

 

ii

Moses says:

You are not here to join to the whole universe.

You are here to shape just a few corners of the world—

Infuse those few corners with sanctity, with blessing, with an upright life.

 

___________

Based on the philosophy of Rav Ezra Bick

 A particular thanks to my wife, Kathi, for this week’s editing.

 

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Shabbat shalom, Abe

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Please continue to pray for Ahuvah Rachel bat Orah, and for Rachel Tovah bat Yehudit Esther.

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