ראה - אלול

1. The Month of Elul: A Time for Spiritual Accounting

Elul is approaching, and with it comes a unique opportunity for introspection and growth. Elul is the twelfth month of the Jewish year, or the thirteenth in a leap year like this one. Just as a business conducts a fiscal review at year’s end—examining receipts, profits, losses, and making resolutions for improvement—the month of Elul serves as our spiritual accounting. Throughout the year, we strive to follow the Torah, perform mitzvot—commandments, and act kindly. Then Hashem grants us this final month as a period of reckoning and mercy. During Elul, we are given time to reflect on where we succeeded and where we fell short in our spiritual lives. It’s a chance to resolve to do better in the coming year, learning from both our strengths and our mistakes. This process is not just about regret but about genuine growth and preparation for Rosh Hashanah.

2. The Value of Toil: Bread from the Earth vs. Bread from Heaven

The Torah often uses bread as a metaphor for human effort. Lachem min ha’aretz—bread from the earth—requires significant labor: plowing, sowing, pruning, harvesting, winnowing, grinding, kneading, and baking. Today we may simply buy bread at the store, but traditionally it was hard-won sustenance. Hashem designed the world so that we must work for what we receive; He does not want us to eat nahamo d’chisufta—the bread of shame—unearned gifts that lack appreciation. This principle applies both physically and spiritually. Hashem could have made us like angels with no temptation or struggle, but instead He gave us challenges so that our closeness to Him would be earned through effort. The struggles refine us and reveal strengths we didn’t know we had—just as Avraham was tested not for God’s knowledge but to reveal his own depth. Yet there are exceptional times when Hashem gives us lachem min hashamayim—bread from heaven—like the manna in the desert: sustenance without toil. Spiritually, these are moments when an awakening comes easily or when Hashem draws especially close.

3. Elul: The King Is in the Field

The Alter Rebbe explains that during Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur—the king is in his palace; access requires preparation and formality. But during Elul, the king is in the field. This means Hashem is accessible to everyone without barriers or prerequisites—you don’t need special clothing or spiritual status to approach Him. This period is compared to politicians before elections—readily available to all—but with infinite distinction: Hashem’s accessibility is genuine mercy. In Elul, all you need to do is step out into the field—to turn toward Hashem—and He greets you with a smile. While you still must make an effort (you can’t stay home), it’s much easier than usual to draw close. Many people take on extra care during Elul: checking mezuzahs and tefillin, being more meticulous about kashrus—all because this month offers special opportunities through Hashem’s 13 attributes of mercy shining more brightly.

4. Teshuvah: Repentance Even for Grave Sins

A central theme connecting Parshas Re’ei with Elul is teshuvah—repentance—and its power even in extreme cases. In civil law or halacha, if someone commits an offense and sincerely regrets it, their apology may be accepted by individuals but not always by courts; punishment often proceeds regardless of remorse because human judges cannot see into a person’s heart. However, when it comes to sins between man and God (bein adam laMakom), teshuvah always helps because Hashem knows what’s truly in our hearts. The Rambam notes an exception regarding communal idol worship described in this week’s parsha: even when an entire city worships idols—a capital offense—their collective teshuvah can avert punishment according to Rambam (though many disagree). This parallels Sodom and Amorah where God says “let me descend and see”—teaching judges to investigate thoroughly but also hinting that repentance can change even severe decrees. The lesson is profound: even if someone has violated core commandments like Anokhi Hashem Elokecho—I am Hashem your God—or lo yihiyeh lecha elohim acherim—no other gods before Me—even then teshuvah can restore closeness with Hashem.

5. Faithfulness to Hashem Amid Modern Idolatry

Our relationship with Hashem is likened to marriage—He is the husband; Israel is His wife—and faithfulness means exclusive devotion. Yet “other gods” today can take many forms: money becomes an idol when it replaces trust in Hashem; unethical business practices suggest belief that success comes from trickery rather than divine providence. When we conduct ourselves honestly—earning livelihood through kosher means—we affirm that all channels are merely vehicles through which Hashem provides blessing. If we stray into deceit or envy others’ dishonest gains, we risk subtle idolatry by denying God’s role in our lives. But if mistakes happen—as they inevitably do—the path back remains open through teshuvah.

6. Practical Teshuvah: Repairing Relationships With Others

Today there is no earthly court meting out punishments for most transgressions; everything depends on our relationship with Hashem and those around us. When wronging another person—whether by words or actions—it isn’t enough just to say sorry if material damage was done; restitution must be made. Often hurt occurs inadvertently—in relationships between spouses, parents and children, friends or colleagues—because people forget or act without focus rather than out of malice. Reminding each other gently about hurtful behavior can open space for healing without escalating conflict or triggering prideful standoffs. Similarly with Hashem: sincere apology opens doors regardless of past failures.

7. Divine Mercy: Unlimited Credit From Hashem

Unlike human creditors who may refuse further loans until old debts are paid off, Hashem continues extending kindness even when we fall short repeatedly. At year’s end—in Elul—we review our “spiritual finances,” admit shortcomings (anger, envy, harsh words), ask forgiveness…and receive another “loan” of life and blessing from God’s abundant mercy (rachamim rabim). Even Moshe Rabbeinu asked only for free gifts—not claiming he deserved anything by right—and so should we approach prayer during this season. We ask for health, peace at home (shalom bayit), nachas from children—all as gifts granted out of divine kindness rather than entitlement.

8. Seeing Blessings Clearly: The Message of Re’ei

The parsha begins Re’ei anochi nosein lifneichem hayom bracha—“See! I place before you today blessing…” The greatest blessing is clarity—to see God’s hand openly rather than living with doubts or confusion (safek). If everything were obvious there would be no challenge—but also no reward earned through effort (nahamo d’chisufta). In Elul especially there is more opportunity “to see”—to regain innocence like children whose faith is pure and unclouded by skepticism. We pray not just to hear about blessings but truly see them—to experience certainty in emunah (faith) so nothing can shake it. May this month help us achieve that vision—to see only blessings before us as promised in Re’ei—and may all our prayers be answered for good!