1. The Blessing and the Curse in Parashas Re’ei
We began today’s learning with the opening of Parashas Re’ei: Re’ei anoichi noisen lifneichem hayom, bracha u’klala—“See, I set before you today a blessing and a curse.” This raises an immediate question: how can it be that Hashem gives us a curse? We know that from above, from heaven, only blessings and good things come to people. Why then does the Torah speak of a curse coming from Hashem?2. The Concept of Na’amo di Chisufa—Shameful Bread
To understand this, we need to consider the concept known as na’amo di chisufa—shameful bread. This refers to receiving sustenance or gifts without having worked for them. When someone eats bread they did not earn, it is called shameful bread because it lacks the dignity and satisfaction that comes from one’s own effort. Hashem created the world in such a way that people must work for what they have. Through ishtadlus—personal effort and striving—one earns their livelihood and can take pride in it. If a person receives everything as a gift or through welfare without effort, it does not resonate deeply or bring true appreciation. This idea extends to our spiritual lives as well.3. Earning Our Connection to Hashem Through Struggle
Hashem could have created us so that we would always love Him naturally, like angels who serve without struggle. But that is not what Hashem desires. Instead, He wants us to work hard to achieve holiness, greatness, and closeness to Him. We are meant to go through struggles and challenges so that when we overcome them, our connection to HaKadosh Baruch Hu—the Holy One Blessed be He—is something we have truly earned. The challenges we face are not obstacles meant to interfere with our growth; rather, they are opportunities for us to become who we are meant to be. Just as in Birkos HaShachar—the morning blessings—we acknowledge that our soul is pure when given by Hashem but must struggle within the body’s confines to shine forth its light.4. Viewing Hardships as Opportunities for Growth
When we encounter hardship or difficulty, we should not see it as a problem or interference. Instead, this is the “earned bread”—the process through which Hashem wants us to reach purity of soul and spiritual achievement by working hard. The difficulties are part of the process necessary for us to earn our closeness with Hashem. It is important not to view these challenges negatively but rather as essential steps in our spiritual journey. When we invest effort and overcome obstacles, our relationship with Hashem becomes something personal and meaningful.5. When Failure Turns Blessing Into Apparent Curse
However, sometimes we make mistakes and fail in overcoming these challenges. What happens then? Hashem always sends blessings down to us, but if we are unworthy or do not utilize those opportunities properly, those blessings may appear to us as curses or difficulties. It is not that Hashem sends curses; rather, if we fail in our mission or do not rise up to meet the challenge, the blessing becomes disguised in a form that seems negative from our perspective. The Torah does not say “I give you a curse,” but rather “before you...a blessing and a curse,” indicating that what appears as a curse is really dependent on how we receive and respond to what Hashem sends.6. Our Actions Determine How We Experience Divine Influence
This idea is echoed in the words of Rashi on Pirkei Avos, where he explains that when bad things happen, they do not come directly from Hashem but result from our own actions and failures. If we make mistakes or do not overcome challenges properly, then what could have been experienced as blessing instead feels like a curse. Hashem only gives blessings—it is up to us to ensure that we receive them properly by overcoming obstacles and recognizing His goodness even within difficulty.7. Recognizing Hidden Blessings—Galus and Redemption
Even during times of suffering such as our long exile (galus) of nearly two thousand years, there remains an underlying hidden blessing within all hardship. Eventually, when redemption comes with Mashiach Tzidkeinu—our righteous redeemer—we will thank Hashem for everything because we will recognize retroactively that what seemed like curses were actually concealed kindnesses. The Rebbe writes that hidden kindnesses are even greater than revealed ones because they come from an even higher source above revelation.8. Praying for Revealed Goodness With the Coming of Mashiach
As we approach Rosh Chodesh Elul—the month of preparation for judgment—we pray that Hashem should bestow His blessings upon us openly: from His full hand in an open and revealed way (b’yad melo’ah pesucha k’dosha u’rechava). May all hidden good become revealed good so that we may rejoice together with the coming of Mashiach Tzidkeinu speedily in our days—even before Elul arrives!