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

An example of engaging in a positive and act in the new land of Israel is after giving one’s crop to the , a tenth of the remainder - the Second - is to be taken and eaten within .

Another example of the uniquely holy life of the Jew in the Land will be observance

4 TORAH TIDBITS / RE'EH 5780 of the laws of Shemitah (Sabbatical year). During this year a creditor forgives outstanding loans.

Within the context of being forgiving and charitable the Torah mentions the obligation to give tzedaka employing the beautiful expression: “...you shall not harden your heart or close your hand against your impoverished brother.” (Devarim 15:7).

The parsha concludes in celebratory fashion by highlighting the joyous days of the three major festivals: Pesach, Shavuot and Sukkot. These are times for great happiness and unity for the nation. These auspicious days are set aside as opportunities throughout the year to be in the presence of Hashem at the Holy Temple.

May that day come soon! Amen.

HAFTORAH YESHAYAHU 54:11- 55:5

We continue this Shabbat to imbibe the uplifting messages of comfort from the prophet Yeshayahu.

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