Parashat Re'eh Elul's Call: Preparing with Perspective

This short message brings profound lessons as we enter Elul, the final month of the Jewish year. This week’s Parashat Re’eh begins with the powerful words,“Re′eh Anochi Nosen Lifneichem HaYom Bracha u′Klalah” — “See, I place before you today a blessing and a curse.” These words perfectly capture the essence of Elul, a month of spiritual preparation and reflection.

Elul: A Spiritual Speed Check Before the High Holidays

Though Rosh Hashanah may feel distant, Rosh Chodesh Elul serves as a crucial spiritual reminder. Imagine it as a GPS alerting you to slow down before a speed camera. Throughout the year, it’s easy to rush through life and lose sight of spiritual priorities. Elul is Hashem’s gentle warning:“Slow down, prepare yourself.”

This month invites us to perform a Cheshbon Hanefesh — a deep spiritual accounting. It’s a chance to ask ourselves:

• What can I still change?

• What improvements can I make before the New Year?

The Power of Listening: Discovering the “Eit HaTov” Blessing

The Torah teaches that the greatest blessing, the “Eit HaTov,” is the ability to listen—both to others and to Hashem. What does Hashem expect from each of us? Are we fulfilling our unique spiritual mission?

Parashat Re’eh reminds us that spiritual downfall occurs when we stop listening. We may miss cries for help or essential guidance when too focused on ourselves. By opening our ears and hearts, we open the door to blessings.

The Symbolism of Har Gerizim and Har Eival: Mountains of Choice

Upon entering the Land of Israel, the tribes gathered on two mountains—Har Gerizim (green and fertile) and Har Eival (barren and desolate)—to hear blessings and curses. Why these two nearly identical mountains?

Our Sages explain this symbolizes the equal opportunities Hashem gives us: to choose blessing or curse, good or bad. Like the two goats on Yom Kippur—one offered, one sent to the desert—our choices define our destiny.

My father, Zichrono Livracha, taught that mountains represent our service of Hashem. Climbing demands strength, equipment, and perseverance. Similarly, spiritual growth requires consistent effort—more Kavanah in prayer, greater kindness, deeper giving. Our equipment? The mitzvot, humility, and a listening heart.

Elul’s Message: Renewal, Connection, and Giving

Elul is about climbing upward, even in difficulty, drawing closer to Hashem. The famous phrase “Ani L’Dodi V’Dodi Li” expresses this mutual renewal.

Elul also highlights the Middah Bein Adam L’Chaveiro—our interpersonal conduct. The verse, “Ish L’Re’ehu u’Matanot La’Evyonim” (“Each person to their friend, gifts to the poor”) teaches us to treat others as close friends through acts of kindness—not just charity but a smile, a kind word, or encouragement.

Parashat Re’eh emphasizes the mitzvah of Tzedakah with the phrase, “Patoh Tiftach Et Yadecha” — “Open your hand generously.” It’s not just giving once, but giving abundantly and consistently.

A Call to Action This Elul

Though this message is brief and sent at a busy time, it carries essential spiritual food for thought. With the sounding of the Shofar this Sunday and the recitation of “L’David Hashem Ori V’Yishi,” we are called to awaken and prepare.

May this Elul be a time of true transformation and spiritual renewal, so that Rosh Hashanah becomes our personal “HaYom Harat Olam” — the birth of a new, blessed year.

Wishing you a beautiful Shabbos and a Chodesh Tov filled with light, blessings, and only good news!

(2022)