This week we read Parashat Re’eh (Deuteronomy 11:26–16:17). The opening words are striking: “See, I set before you today a blessing and a curse.” The Torah reminds us that life constantly places choices before us, between the path of blessing and the path of curse, between compassion and indifference, between faith and doubt.
For our mishpachah in Israel, this message is particularly resonant. Every day, decisions are made that shape not only the lives of individuals but also the destiny of the Jewish state. The call of Re’eh is to look clearly, to see beyond fear and uncertainty, and to build a society rooted in justice, kindness, and holiness. For us living in the diaspora, the challenge is no less real. We, too, face choices about how we live as Jews in our communities, whether we simply exist as Jews or actively live Judaism by engaging with Torah, mitzvot, community, and one another.
Re’eh also speaks of centralising worship “in the place HaShem will choose,” foreshadowing Jerusalem as the heart of Jewish life. In our own time, whether in Manchester, Jerusalem, or anywhere across the world, the Torah calls us to create spiritual centres where HaShem’s presence can dwell — our synagogues, our homes, our communities.
This Shabbat is also Shabbat Mevarchim Chodesh Elul, the Shabbat when we bless the new month of Elul. Elul is traditionally a time of reflection and preparation before the High Holy Days, a month to look inward, mend relationships, and return to our deepest selves. May we all enter Elul with clarity, strength, and hope.