Parshat Re’eh
August 7-8, 2026
25 Av 5786
Annual Torah Reading: Deuteronomy 11:26-16:17
Triennial Torah Reading: Deuteronomy 11:26-12:28
This Shabbat we read Parashat רְאֵה (Re'eh). Moshe continues his final address to בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל (B'nei Yisrael), placing before the people a fundamental choice between blessing and curse.
In this parasha, Moshe outlines the centralization of worship in the Land of Israel, reviews the laws of kashrut and charity, introduces the sabbatical year of debt forgiveness (shemittah), and details the celebration of the three pilgrimage festivals: שָׁלֹשׁ רְגָלִים (Shalosh Regalim).
This Shabbat we also bless the upcoming new month of אֱלוּל (Elul). Rosh Chodesh Elul will take place next week on Thursday and Friday.
Below, we look at the core themes of this week through three unique lenses.
1. Choice and Moral Responsibility
Insight inspired by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks
The portion opens with a powerful declaration: "See, I set before you today a blessing and a curse" (Deuteronomy 11:26).
Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks noted that this opening word, רְאֵה (Re'eh, "See"), in the singular, addressed to an entire nation, contains a radical message about human freedom:
"In Judaism, we are not hostages to fate, nor are we driven solely by instinct or circumstance. G-d gives us the capacity to choose. A blessing is not something that simply happens to us, it is a choice we make by aligning our actions with G-d's will." Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks
Moshe challenges every individual to recognize their personal agency. The quality of our lives and our society is determined by the daily choices we make between responsibility and indifference.
2. The Joy of Giving: Open Your Hand
Insight inspired by Sivan Rahav Meir
In outlining the laws of supporting the poor and vulnerable, the Torah commands: "You shall open your hand wide to him, and willingly lend him sufficient for his need" (Deuteronomy 15:8).
Educator Sivan Rahav Meir observes that the Torah focuses not only on the physical act of giving, but on the inner attitude of the giver:
"Giving charity is not merely a social obligation, it is a spiritual privilege. The Torah reminds us that open hands lead to open hearts. When we give to others with joy rather than reluctance, we transform ourselves as much as we assist those in need." Sivan Rahav Meir
In a world that often encourages accumulation, Parashat רְאֵה (Re'eh) redirects our attention outward, teaching us that true wealth is measured by what we share with others.
3. Joy as a Spiritual Discipline
Insight inspired by Classical Commentators and Chassidic Thought
Throughout Parashat רְאֵה (Re'eh), the Torah repeatedly emphasizes the commandment to rejoice: "And you shall rejoice before the Lord your G-d, you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants" (Deuteronomy 12:12).
Commentators point out that biblical joy (simchah) is very different from mere pleasure or entertainment:
"Pleasure is individual and passive, but real joy in the Torah is active and inclusive. True joy is created when we bring others, especially the vulnerable and lonely, to share in our celebration."
As we announce the month of אֱלוּל (Elul) and prepare for the High Holidays, this portion reminds us that holiness is found not in withdrawal, but in celebrating life's gifts together in community.
הַפְטָרָה: Haftarah Reading: יְשַׁעְיָהוּ (Y'sha'yahu) 54:11 to 55:5
We read the third of the seven Haftarot of Consolation (Sheva d'Nechemta). The prophet יְשַׁעְיָהוּ (Y'sha'yahu) addresses afflicted Yerushalayim, promising a glorious future built on peace, righteousness, and eternal divine protection:
עֲנִיָּ֥ה סֹעֲרָ֖ה לֹ֣א נֻחָמָ֑ה הִנֵּ֨ה אָנֹכִ֜י מַרְבִּ֤יץ בַּפּוּךְ֙ אֲבָנַ֔יִךְ וִיסַדְתִּ֖יךְ בַּסַּפִּירִֽים׃
"O afflicted one, storm tossed and not comforted, behold, I will set your stones in colorful mortar, and lay your foundations with sapphires." (Y'sha'yahu 54:11)
The prophet concludes with an invitation to all who thirst for meaning and spiritual fulfillment:
הוֹי֙ כָּל־צָמֵא֙ לְכ֣וּ לַמַּ֔יִם וַאֲשֶׁ אֵין־ל֖וֹ כָּ֑סֶף לְכ֤וּ שִׁבְרּוּ֙ וֶאֱכֹ֔לוּ וּלְכ֣וּ שִׁבְר֗וּ בְּלוֹא־כֶ֛סֶף וּבְלוֹא֙ מְחִ֔יר יַ֥יִן וָחָלָֽב׃
"Ho! Everyone who thirsts, come to the water, and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price." (Y'sha'yahu 55:1)
Questions to Contemplate
When faced with difficult daily decisions, what helps me step back and choose the path of blessing over convenience?
As we enter the month of אֱלוּל (Elul), how can I practice opening my hand and heart more generously in the coming weeks?
Compiled by Rav Baruch Shamash