The Jewish path is not just a collection of laws or a schedule of holidays, but a way, a trail or course. And the course has purpose – it is meant to guide us to fulfill the values of our covenant.
There is a lovely linguistic construction in Hebrew that conveys directionality. When we are heading somewhere, we can add the letter hey to the end of our destination, conveying the sense of motion. This gives us words such as habayitah – homeward; ha’irah – toward the city; and yamah – toward the sea. These words can help us feel simultaneously the importance of both the journey and the places or goals we are aiming to achieve.
In this week’s parasha, Re’eh, we continue to look toward the life we are to build together as a people. While some details are spelled out (You shall not gash yourselves in mourning), other instructions are broad and require interpretation in each new context (Open your hand to the poor and needy kin in your land). In the instructions for bringing offerings to the Temple, the place is not simply sham – there, but shamah – to there. While we are headed there, we are to travel with the goal in mind. This seems obvious, but when the way is long, such as a lifetime, it requires decision and practice to maintain our sense of direction, of heading toward our goals.
Whether we are thinking of personal spiritual goals (serenity, mastery of our actions, honesty, gratitude) or large-scale societal goals (creating a sustainable relationship with the earth, ending poverty, protecting our communities and the next generation), Jewish practices point the way. The path of mitzvot or regular Jewish practice both blesses and pushes us to step on the path and stay the course. As we near the month of Elul, which begins this Sunday and precedes the New Year, I look forward to building our communal pathway together!
Rabbi Julie
Re’eh (Deuteronomy 11:26-16:17) Shabbat, August 23, 2025: A Path with Purpose
August 20, 2025 by Rabbi Julie Saxe-Taller • D'var Torah
The Jewish path is not just a collection of laws or a schedule of holidays, but a way, a trail or course. And the course has purpose – it is meant to guide us to fulfill the values of our covenant.
There is a lovely linguistic construction in Hebrew that conveys directionality. When we are heading somewhere, we can add the letter hey to the end of our destination, conveying the sense of motion. This gives us words such as habayitah – homeward; ha’irah – toward the city; and yamah – toward the sea. These words can help us feel simultaneously the importance of both the journey and the places or goals we are aiming to achieve.
In this week’s parasha, Re’eh, we continue to look toward the life we are to build together as a people. While some details are spelled out (You shall not gash yourselves in mourning), other instructions are broad and require interpretation in each new context (Open your hand to the poor and needy kin in your land). In the instructions for bringing offerings to the Temple, the place is not simply sham – there, but shamah – to there. While we are headed there, we are to travel with the goal in mind. This seems obvious, but when the way is long, such as a lifetime, it requires decision and practice to maintain our sense of direction, of heading toward our goals.
Whether we are thinking of personal spiritual goals (serenity, mastery of our actions, honesty, gratitude) or large-scale societal goals (creating a sustainable relationship with the earth, ending poverty, protecting our communities and the next generation), Jewish practices point the way. The path of mitzvot or regular Jewish practice both blesses and pushes us to step on the path and stay the course. As we near the month of Elul, which begins this Sunday and precedes the New Year, I look forward to building our communal pathway together!
Rabbi Julie