A Word From The Rabbi
Dear Friend,
This week's Torah portion of Re'ei is always read at a time associated with the month of Elul, either on the Shabbat on which the month of Elul is blessed or on Rosh Chodesh Elul as in the present year.
Re'ei begins with the verse, "Behold, I am giving before you today the blessing..." This verse refers to the fact that the blessing, and the revelation of G‑dliness that accompanies it, is coming from Above. Indeed, each of the words of this verse emphasizes that approach:
Behold: Seeing implies the establishment of a deep and powerful connection. Thus our Sages state, "hearing does not resemble seeing," and they forbid an eyewitness from acting as a judge. Once someone has seen a misdeed committed, he will never be able to conceive of a redeeming virtue for a defendant. In contrast, when a person is told about an event, he is allowed to serve as a judge and indeed, all trials depend on listening to such testimony.
What is the reason for such a difference? When hearing, one approaches a concept step by step, gathering all the particulars. This resembles an ascent upward. In contrast, when seeing, one is brought into direct contact with an event as a totality all at once. Only afterwards, does one focus attention on the particulars. This reflects the approach of revelation from Above.
I--"Anochi": This refers to G‑d's essence in a most uplifted and magnified manner. In our verse, the Hebrew word "anochi" is used rather than the more common "ani." "Anochi" communicates a greater sense of pride and magnitude than "ani."
Am giving: The fact that G‑d is giving clearly implies a gift from Above.
Before you: "lifneichem" in Hebrew relates to the word "p'nimiyut"--inner dimension. This emphasizes the approach of revelation from Above. For we begin by focusing on our own personal inner dimension, our inner being, and then proceed to the external dimensions. In contrast, proceeding from the externals to the internal is more a process of elevating what is here below to Above.
Today: This reflects the concepts of light and revelation, for the day is the time of light. It also is associated with a dimension of eternality, as our Sages state, "Whenever the word 'today' is used, [the influence] is eternal and forever." And this is possible because it involves a revelation from Above which does not take into consideration the nature of the recipient.
Blessing: Blessing obviously refers to an influence from Above.
The occupation of the month of Elul, however, is a totally different type of work. For in Elul, our spiritual workout focuses on elevating ourselves through our own initiative and not through a "gift from Above."
Where, then, is the connection between our Torah portion and the fact that we read it on Rosh Chodesh Elul?
The truth is that since in Elul we take stock of the entire year that has passed, we must correct any deficiencies in either of these two areas. We must put tremendous effort into elevating ourselves and our surroundings through our own initiative as well as making ourselves a worthy receptacle for G‑d's inspiration and blessings from Above.
Wishing you a successful week,
Rabbi Yudy Shemtov
Senior Rabbi/Executive Director