בס "ד


Parashat Reeh
In this week’s Torah reading a verse implies that we have to follow G-d. Even though the simple meaning is to observe His commandments, there is a deeper explanation.
Based on Maamarim Katzarim of the Alter Rebbe, p. 116

How Do You Actually Follow G-d?

One of the central themes in this week’s Torah portion, Re’eh—a Hebrew word meaning “see” or “look”—is the concept of the false prophet.

The Torah teaches that someone may come in the name of G-d, perform signs or even miracles, and claim to speak with divine authority. But if that person then says, “Let us serve other gods,” or encourages idolatry or anything that contradicts G-d’s commandments, we immediately know that this person is a false prophet.

Why? Because G-d’s truth never contradicts G-d’s own Torah.

The Torah then gives a powerful instruction:

“You shall follow the L-rd your G-d.”

At first glance, this seems straightforward. Following G-d means obeying His commandments. For the Jewish people, this includes the 613 mitzvot. For non-Jews, it means faithfully observing the Seven Noahide Commandments and their practical applications.

But perhaps there is an even deeper meaning hidden within these words.

What Does It Mean to Follow G-d?

The Torah speaks as though G-d is walking before us and we are invited to follow Him. Of course, this is not meant literally. Instead, it points to something much more profound: living in such a way that we become deeply connected to G-d.

How can we do that?

One way to understand this is by looking at the world as it exists after the sin of Adam and Eve. Since humanity’s first act of disobedience, creation has become a mixture of good and evil. Every object, every experience, and every situation contains elements of both.

Our task is to learn to reject what is evil and embrace what is good.

Looking for the Divine Spark

God directs the steps of every person. This means that wherever we find ourselves, there is an opportunity to discover something of Him.

Every circumstance—even the most difficult one—contains a hidden purpose.

Often, we only recognize that purpose after we have endured the challenge. Looking back, we begin to understand why we experienced it and how it contributed to our personal or spiritual growth.

Following G-d, then, is more than simply keeping commandments. It is learning to ask:

These questions help us discover the divine spark hidden within every circumstance.

Seeing Beyond the Surface

Even the most painful situations can contain opportunities for growth, wisdom, compassion, or deeper faith.

Likewise, even life’s pleasant experiences contain a challenge. Physical pleasure itself can easily become the focus, distracting us from the higher purpose behind G-d’s gifts.

Take food, for example.

Food certainly brings enjoyment, but its deepest purpose is not simply pleasure. It provides the strength and energy we need to live meaningful lives, serve G-d, and fulfill His commandments. When we recognize that higher purpose, we elevate something ordinary into something spiritual.

The same principle applies to every area of life.

Trusting G-d’s Direction

Sometimes we encounter suffering or unexpected hardships. In those moments we naturally ask, “Why is this happening?”

While we may not always receive immediate answers, faith invites us to believe that G-d has not abandoned us. He may be teaching us something, shaping our character, or preparing us to help someone else who will one day face a similar struggle.

Following G-d means trusting that He guides our steps, even when we cannot yet see where the path leads.

It means looking beyond appearances and asking what G-d wants to accomplish through every encounter, every blessing, and every challenge.

A Daily Practice

To follow G-d is not only to obey His commandments, important as that is. It is also to cultivate spiritual vision—to look beneath the surface of every situation and search for G-d’s purpose within it.

Every day presents new opportunities to ask:

When we begin to live with these questions, we discover that following G-d is not merely a destination. It is a way of seeing the world.

And as we learn to recognize His presence in every circumstance, we walk ever more closely with Him.

Good Shabbos.

Discorso del rabbino Tuvia Serber


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