Kehilaton: 8/15/09 - Temple Beth Israel

Dear Friends,

We are fast approaching the last month of the Hebrew Calendar, the month of Elul. During Elul, each of us has an opportunity to begin thinking about our "Cheshbon Ha-nefesh" – our "spiritual balance" comprised of the good and not-so-good deeds that we’ve done over the past year.

This Shabbat we read Parashat Re’eh whose very interesting opening verse states: "Behold…this day I set before thee a blessing and a curse" (Deuteronomy 11:26) … and we are invited to make a choice of one or the other.

One may imagine that the "blessing" ("brachot") choice is the universal one. But is it?

If everybody elected brachot, then why are we living in an era of disasters around the world? And what about the widespread fundamentalism and terrorism that result in bad things happening in the name of the religion? The individuals involved in the latter have obviously chosen the "curse" side of the equation.

But when all is said and done, a key concept of our parashah is our duty to take personal responsibility for our choices.

With the free will that G-d has apparently granted us, we have no excuse for making decisions that are contrary to the good of the community and the good of the individual.

Let’s assume our responsibility together. Elul is a beautiful month to start "thinking our past, living our present and planning our future".

Shabbat Shalom and B’rachot to all of you!

P.S. If you want to study more about Parashaht Re’eh, be sure to attend our TZE U’LMAD ("Come and Learn") Program this Shabbat immediately following services.


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