In this week’s parashah, Parashat Re-eh, Moses delivers his final instructions to the Israelites before they embark on their journey to the promised land. Before sending them off, Moses presents them with a choice: follow G-d's commandments and receive blessings, or neglect them and be cursed. While the choice seems straightforward, the reality is that decision-making is often far more complex. This raises an interesting question: how do we find the right path when the choices in our own lives aren’t so clear?

In our complicated and constantly changing world, it can be difficult to discern the right path—especially in the age of technology, where we are overwhelmed with so much information. This ability to “see” the right path and make the right choices, seems to be clouded by doubt and uncertainty. However, Parashat Re'eh teaches us that the clarity to make the right decision requires more than just seeing what is right in front of us. As Rabbi Jonathan Sacks puts it, it is about vision: looking beyond the surface to understand a deeper purpose. 

When Moses commands the Israelites to “see” the “blessing and the curse”, he calls for a kind of vision that transcends what is immediately apparent. A vision that compels them to envision the long-lasting implications of our actions. When he encourages the Israelites to be charitable and observe Jewish festivals, it is more than just fulfilling a commandment, it is about the deeper meaning behind these acts: embracing selflessness, building a community and maintaining a sense of unity.  

As we enter this new school year, we have the opportunity to reflect on our past choices to help us reach our future goals. Like the Israelites, we should look beyond the immediate outcomes of our actions and consider their broader impact. For instance, choosing to be kind to a new student may seem like a small act, but in the long term, it fosters a more nurturing school community. Similarly, choosing to study hard for a test may seem like a decision focused on just achieving good grades in the short term, but over time, it builds discipline and a strong work ethic that will serve us well throughout life. By thinking beyond the immediate outcomes of our actions and focusing on the long-term values behind them, we gain the clarity to navigate life’s uncertainties and become better people—one choice at a time.

Thank you and Shabbat Shalom.

Tali, Grade 12