RE'EH PARSHAT RE'EH SHORT SUMMARY Moshe continues his address to the Jewish people and emphasizes that the Torah, at its essence, is a source of life and joy for the nation; “See I set before you today blessings and a curse” (Devarim 11:26). Even more so, said Moshe, when entering the Land of Israel the wisdom and ways of the Torah need to be our guide. When the nation is in the process of conquering the Land they must also uproot the idols and pagan practices. Special emphasis is placed on designating a place of worship and sacrifices for the nation: “It shall be that the place where Hashem, your God, will choose to rest His name - there shall you bring everything that I command you…” (Devarim 12:11) Although it will now be permitted to eat meat for consumption purposes, blood may never be eaten. There is an express prohibition against
copying the rites of the Canaanites. “How these nations worship their gods...you shall not do so to Hashem…” (Devarim 12:30-31). On the contrary you should be vigilant in closely observing the commands of the Almighty: “You shall not add to it or you shall not subtract from it” (Devarim 13:1). After warning the Jewish people about idolatry and pagan culture, Moshe addresses an issue that could precipitate such behavior. Namely, a person who professes to be a prophet and gives instruction to worship idols. Such an individual must be put to death. Stern action must be taken towards anyone who entices others to idolatry. This leads us to the laws of a “wayward city’ that has completely succumbed to idolatry, which must be eradicated. A further set of prohibitions regarding not emulating the foriegn cultures relate the issur of defacing one’s body with tattoos or other forms of mutilation. Along these same lines the laws of kashrut are given. There are precise signs that distinguish between kosher and nonkosher animals. This section concludes with the law that we are forbidden to eat meat that was not properly slaughtered, and against cooking meat with milk. An example of engaging in a positive and sacred act in the new land of Israel is after giving one’s crop to the Levite, a tenth of the remainder - the Second Tithe - is to be taken and eaten within Jerusalem. Another example of the uniquely holy life of the Jew in the Land will be observance
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TORAH TIDBITS / RE'EH 5780
