This week we come to the Torah portion of Re’eh, which opens with these harrowing words: ‘See this day I set before you blessing and curse: blessing, if you obey the commandments of the Eternal your God that I enjoin upon you this day; and curse, if you do not obey…’ (11:26-28). At first glance, this is a verse that speaks to the choices we have in life. Life is about the choices we make around relationships and career and how we spend our time, how we give, what we read, what we watch, the voices we elevate and the voices we do not. We cannot control everything (nor would we want to) but we are in charge of the choices we make throughout the days, months and years of our lives. These decisions have an impact on who we become, how we feel and where we go.

From another point of view, we could say that this verse is specifically about choosing Judaism each day. The Torah is urging us to choose Jewish values each day. Indeed, the portion will remind us of the most integral Jewish concepts. We are to reject idolatry. We are to be careful about who we follow and beware of false prophets: ‘Do not heed the words of that prophet or that dream-diviner’ (13:4). We are not to ‘harden our heart and shut your hand against’ the needy (15:7). The portion also reminds us to observe our holidays throughout the year: ‘You shall rejoice before Adonai your God’ (16:11). These sacred days give our lives shape and meaning amid a life that can be so hard and often so unpredictable.

As we enter into a new year, as we get ready for the school year to start, as we prepare to shift from summer mode, Re’eh comes along and invites us to keep ourselves balanced and fulfilled through the rituals and rites of Jewish life. When we are stressed and overwhelmed, when the news is too much to bear, the teachings of our people grant us perspective and reassurance. When life feels so very chaotic and often unnerving, worship, community and learning bring us back to a place of peace and comfort. When all feels helpless and deflating, the sages remind us to hold onto faith, hold onto hope and hold on – most of all – to each other.