Parshat Reeh Rabbi Chaim Brovender

Let us learn a posuk with Rashi

"See, I present before you today a blessing and a curse: the blessing that you will listen to the commandments of Hashem which I have commanded you today..." (11: 26, 27).

Two features of the verses above should be noted. First, the word "today" is emphasized. It appears twice in the two verses. Second, the order of events seems to be reversed: "blessing" causes "listening". We would have assumed that "listening" causes "blessing," but the pasuk suggests otherwise.

Rashi explains the relationship with the words, "al menat" which is "in order that" or some similar phrase. On this view, "blessing" indeed causes "listening". An alternative translation of Rashi changes this and reads "on condition."

Apparently, "blessing" is not simply abundance. "Blessing" has a double purpose. First, it is an enabler. The Rambam writes that "blessing" is not the reward that we hope for in the next world, but that which allows us to increase our merit in this world and to hope for a greater portion in the world to come. Material prosperity and well organized living assists us in performing mitzvot more easily and frees us to pursue the study of Torah more seriously. The "blessing" itself has little meaning, it just enables me to pursue other matters more seriously.

However, for Rashi "blessing" also has a secondary meaning and its own religious content. "Blessing" makes us aware of our nearness to G-d, our position as recipients of blessing. As such, enables us to improve the quality of that relationship. "Blessing" is first and foremost that which is perceived as coming from G-d.

This is the meaning of "today". The experience of the desert taught us to appreciate "blessing". We were dependent on Hashem and saw every moment the truth of our dependence on the Divine. It is this awareness that the "blessing" enables us to recreate.

Rashi makes the point: "Blessing is in order that you listen."

Gut shabbos,
Chaim Brovender

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