IN A NUTSHELL In Parashat Re’eh, Moshe focuses on specific details of the covenant. He begins with presenting the choice that lies before the Jews: blessings and rewards if they keep God’s laws, and curses and punishments if they do not. Once they finally enter the land of Israel, these will also be read out to the nation in a ceremony on two mountains in the Shomron – Mount Gerizim and Mount Eival.

Moshe continues by commanding the people to destroy all signs of idolatry in the land when they enter, such as temples and altars, and then establish a central site, which God will choose, where they will worship, offer sacrifices, and eat holy food. This will later be the site of the Beit HaMikdash (the Temple).

Next, Moshe gives more warnings about idolatry and false prophets, and teaches about clean and unclean animals, tithes, and the Sabbatical year (when debts are to be cancelled and slaves set free). The parasha ends with the laws of the three foot festivals (Pesaḥ, Shavuot, and Sukkot) when every year the nation is to celebrate, in Jerusalem, together.

QUESTION TO PONDER

When do you find yourself facing the choice between getting a reward or a punishment? Do you always make the right choice?