This blog post is inspired by the powerful relationship between this week’s Torah portion, Parashat Re’eh, and the current events unfolding in Israel today.
AS THE IDF DESTROYS HAMAS, WE ARE REMINDED IN THIS WEEKS TORAH PORTION...
"For you are to cross over the Jordan to go in to take possession of the land that the Lord your God is giving you."
That verse is in this weeks Torah portion, Re'eh," meaning "See" or "Behold," beginning at Deuteronomy 11:26:
“See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse: 27 the blessing, if you obey the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you today, 28 and the curse, if you do not obey the commandments of the Lord your God, but turn aside from the way that I am commanding you today, to go after other gods that you have not known. 29 And when the Lord your God brings you into the land that you are entering to take possession of it, you shall set the blessing on Mount Gerizim and the curse on Mount Ebal. 30 Are they not beyond the Jordan, west of the road, toward the going down of the sun, in the land of the Canaanites who live in the Arabah, opposite Gilgal, beside the oak of Moreh? 31 For you are to cross over the Jordan to go in to take possession of the land that the Lord your God is giving you. And when you possess it and live in it, 32 you shall be careful to do all the statutes and the rules that I am setting before you today.
As the Israel Defense Forces engage in complex and painful struggles, we find timeless meaning in the ancient words of Deuteronomy, connecting the challenges of the present with the sacred journey of the past.
POIGNANT IRONY
The name "Re'eh," meaning "See" or "Behold," found in Deuteronomy 11:26, is deeply poignant given that Moses speaks extensively about the Promised Land—a land he himself will never enter. This irony and richness highlight several profound themes:
As a leader and prophet, Moses is called to see and declare a future that transcends his personal experience. His role is to guide the people toward a destiny he can envision and articulate but will not personally enjoy, underscoring the selflessness of leadership and faith in God’s promise.
Moses embodies faith, hoping in a promise not yet fulfilled in his lifetime. His words inspire the next generation to trust and prepare for a future grounded in God’s covenant, even as he remains outside of it.
Through the repetition of "Re'eh," Moses draws the people’s attention to the immediate choice before them—blessing or curse, obedience or rebellion—reminding them that they are the generation who will see and possess the land, carrying forward the divine promise.
The imperative "See" is a call to spiritual awareness, inviting Israel to observe the realities of their covenantal journey, to recognize God’s hand in history, and to make conscious choices as they approach a new chapter.
Crossing the Jordan: Covenant and Choice
Parashat Re’eh centers on a pivotal moment:
11:26 -- See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse:
11:29 -- And when the Lord your God brings you into the land that you are entering to take possession of it, you shall set the blessing on Mount Gerizim and the curse on Mount Ebal.
This passage is not merely about physical conquest but about entering into a covenantal relationship—a call to choose between blessing and curse, obedience and turning away. The Torah teaches that the possession of the land carries profound ethical responsibility and faithfulness to God’s commandments. The choice laid down millennia ago remains urgent and vivid today.
Archaeology Meets the Biblical Narrative
Recent archaeological discoveries at Mount Ebal reveal a large ancient altar matching biblical descriptions, including unhewn stones, layers of sacrificial ash, and kosher animal bones. These findings lend concrete historical support to the biblical command to set blessings and curses on Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal. Inscribed artifacts suggest that these ceremonies were real and significant, not merely symbolic, marking Israel’s covenant renewal as they entered the land.
The Significance of Deuteronomy 11:30
Deuteronomy 11:30 specifically locates the "blessings & curses" ceremony on the other side of the Jordan, toward the setting sun, in the land of the Canaanites who dwell in the plain opposite Gilgal, beside the oak of Moreh.” Each reference contributes deep meaning:
- The “other side of the Jordan” marks the transition from wandering to nationhood and inheritance.
- The “way of the setting sun (westward) provides geographic orientation in unfamiliar territory.
- Mention of the “land of the Canaanites” acknowledges the reality and difficulty of entering an inhabited land.
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| One of the proposed sites for “the Gilgal,” photo taken in 2009 by Adam Zertal, z”l |
- The “plain opposite Gilgal” recalls Israel’s first encampment after the crossing, where vital covenant renewals took place—including circumcision and Passover—and signifies a place of spiritual renewal and the reaffirmation of identity.
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| Oak of Moreh |
- The “oak of Moreh" holds special significance as the original site where God appeared to Abraham and promised the land (Genesis 12:6–7), linking the journey’s beginning with its fulfillment. The name “Moreh” itself means “teaching” or “oracle,” suggesting this was a sacred place of divine revelation and instruction, creating continuity between past promises and present fulfillment.
A Call for Reflection in Our Times
While today’s headlines focus on conflict and territorial struggle, the Torah offers a profound invitation to look beyond the immediate to the ethical and spiritual essence beneath the events. The possession of the land is inextricably linked to justice, holiness, and fidelity to divine teaching. Blessing or curse will depend not on the dominance of power but on Israel’s commitment to walk the path of covenant. This point must not be lost on Israel in modern tìmes!
Archaeology, biblical text, and sacred geography together create a powerful witness to this ancient truth. Israel’s journey—from the oak of Moreh, across the Jordan, to the hills of Ebal and Gerizim—is not only a historical narrative but a living call for justice and faithfulness, a reminder that the promise given to the ancestors remains alive and relevant.
In these challenging times, the ancient words of Parashat Re’eh echo loudly across history: the journey continues, the covenant endures, and the choice between blessing and curse remains vital to every generation.
Conclusion
The Torah portion affirms Israel’s right to the Land of Israel. For nearly 3500 years the Nation of Israel has been engaged in "possessing" the land that God showed and promised to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob which Moses brought the people to and Joshua lead us in.
The Torah portions have an uncanny way of reminding us that as the world and Israel’s enemies seek to destroy Israel and deny it's rightful claim, it is crucial to know the righteous promises of God are higher than their lies.
Epilogue:
Also in this week’s Torah Portion is verse 13.5
That prophet or dreamer must be put to death for inciting rebellion against the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt and redeemed you from the land of slavery. That prophet or dreamer tried to turn you from the way the LORD your God commanded you to follow. You must purge the evil from among you.
Who might that prophet be? And, what evil have they brought the Israel?
I have a good guess....just saying.
