1. The Torah’s Emphasis on Doing Good and Proper
In this week’s parsha, Parshas Re’ei, specifically in Sheni, the final verse instructs us to guard and listen to all the words that Hashem commands. The Torah promises that if you do so, it will be good for you and your children forever. The verse concludes with the phrase: because you will do that which is tov—good, and yashar—straight or proper, in the eyes of Hashem your G‑d. This raises an important question: what is meant by “good” and what is meant by “proper”?
Rashi explains that “good” refers to doing what is good in the eyes of Hashem, while “yashar” refers to doing what is proper in the eyes of people. This dual requirement teaches us that it is not enough to simply fulfill mitzvos as they are commanded by Hashem; one must also act in a way that is upright and proper according to human standards.
2. The Importance of Being Upright in the Eyes of People
This idea is echoed in other places, such as in Pirkei Avos, where it says that if people are comfortable with someone, then it reflects positively both in Heaven and among people. The Torah here emphasizes that our actions should be both tov in the eyes of Hashem and yashar in the eyes of man.
This serves as a reminder that religious observance should not come at the expense of interpersonal relationships. Sometimes individuals become very focused on performing mitzvos at the highest level according to their understanding, but neglect how their actions are perceived by others. This can create distance or misunderstanding among people who may not grasp the reasons behind certain behaviors.
3. Bridging the Gap Between Divine Service and Human Relationships
The Torah’s instruction implies a responsibility to educate and include others so they can appreciate what we are doing. When mitzvah observance becomes alienating or misunderstood by those around us, we risk losing sight of yashar—uprightness in the eyes of people.
This means taking extra care to explain our actions when necessary, ensuring that others see our service of Hashem as something beautiful and worthy of praise. It is not enough to disregard public perception entirely under the guise of piety; rather, we must strive for a balance where our religious devotion brings others closer rather than pushing them away.
4. Avoiding Chillul Hashem Through Considerate Behavior
If one acts without regard for how others perceive their behavior, there is a risk of causing a chilul Hashem—a desecration of G‑d’s name—if religious acts are misunderstood or seen as strange or offensive. While it may not always be possible to explain every action or satisfy everyone’s curiosity, it remains important to make efforts toward clarity and inclusivity whenever possible.
The Torah promises goodness for you and your children when both aspects are fulfilled: first tov—goodness in the eyes of Hashem, but also yashar—uprightness before people. Both are necessary for lasting blessing.
5. Uniting Goodness Before Hashem With Uprightness Before People
The verse concludes with “
This aligns with what we find in Pirkei Avos: when someone finds favor among people, it brings honor to Heaven as well. Making a Kiddush Hashem—a sanctification of G‑d’s name—means acting uprightly so others are inspired to praise and draw closer to Hashem through our example.
6. Ensuring Blessing for Future Generations Through Balanced Mitzvah Observance
The promise extends beyond ourselves: “it will be good for you and your children forever.” This means all descendants—children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren—will benefit from this balanced approach to mitzvah observance.
If we fulfill both aspects—serving Hashem wholeheartedly while also acting uprightly toward others—we ensure enduring goodness and kindness from Hashem for all generations that follow.