In this week’s parsha, Re’eh, the Torah begins with the words: “See, I set before you today a blessing and a curse". At first glance, this sounds very black and white, either a blessing or a curse, nothing in between. But Rabbi Shimshon Rephael Hirsch explains that this verse is not only about rewards and punishments. It’s about the power of choice. The Torah is reminding us that the decisions we make, even the small ones, shape the kind of people we become and the kind of community we build.

According to Rabbi Hirsch, mitzvot are not just a checklist of laws. They are meant to train us to see beyond ourselves, to think about how our actions affect others. Sometimes the law tells us only the minimum requirement. But the Torah wants us to reach higher to choose what is right and good, even when the law doesn’t force us. That is the real difference between a life of blessing and a life of curse.

We had a really interesting example of this in class with Mr. Tucker. Imagine a man who owns a field but decides to move to the city. He has two offers, both for the exact same price. One comes from a stranger who wants to get into farming. The other comes from his neighbor, who says that buying this field will allow him to expand his crops, grow his business, and become more financially independent. What should the man do?

At first, we thought: legally, he can sell to either one, so why should it matter? We debated for two whole days. In the end, we realized that from the perspective of Torah values, there is more than just legality at stake. Choosing to sell to the neighbor is an act of responsibility, kindness, and vision. It strengthens the community and allows another person to achieve dignity.

That is what Parashat Re’eh is teaching us. Blessing doesn’t come only from obeying the strict rules. It comes from going beyond the letter of the law, from asking ourselves: how can my choices create a world of kindness, fairness, and respect? When we choose that path, we choose blessing.

This parshah emphasises that our individual choices truly shape who we are. We are starting a new year, and by choosing to be kind or lend a helping hand beyond what’s required will nurture a stronger and more caring environment. blessings don't only come from following rules, but from choosing to do what is right and good for others.

Shabbat Shalom

Akiva, Grade 11