REFLECTIONS ON PARSHAT RE’EH 5786 – NO NEW REVELATION

בס”ד

Integrating Torah into one’s life through reflection and conversation can be an incredibly fun and engaging experience. It’s a journey of discovery, where ancient wisdom and timeless teachings come to life in our daily experiences. Through reflection, we have the opportunity to dive deep into the rich tapestry of Torah, extracting profound insights and lessons that resonate with our modern lives. The joy lies in the ‘aha’ moments, those instances when a Torah verse or story suddenly connects with our personal challenges, aspirations, and values. And when we engage in conversations about Torah with others, it becomes an interactive exploration, where diverse perspectives and interpretations enhance our understanding. These dialogues often spark excitement and intellectual curiosity, making the learning process both enjoyable and fulfilling. Torah becomes a vibrant and dynamic part of our lives, offering not just guidance but also a source of endless fascination, connection, and growth.

NOTE: Don’t feel obligated to go through every source or answer all the questions—unless you want to. Even one source, or one question will give you plenty of material for discussion and meditation. Enjoy this!

Some thoughts about Parshat Re’eh

“If there arises among you a prophet or a dreamer of dreams, and he gives you a sign or a wonder… you shall not listen to the words of that prophet.” (Deuteronomy 13:2–4)

One of the Torah’s most surprising teachings is that even miracles are not the ultimate test of truth. Moses warns that a prophet may arise who performs signs or wonders, yet calls the people away from G-d’s commandments. The Torah’s response is unequivocal: “You shall not listen to the words of that prophet.”

Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch zt”l observes that the false prophet need not be a fraud from the beginning. Citing the Sages, he explains that the Torah may even be speaking of someone who was once recognized as a genuine prophet of G-d, but who later abused the trust and authority he had earned. His previous faithfulness does not validate his present message. The moment he contradicts G-d’s revealed Torah, he proves himself to be a false prophet. Revelation at Sinai stands above every subsequent prophet. Every prophet is judged by the Torah of Moses; the Torah is never judged by a prophet.

Rambam develops this principle in Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah. He writes that the Torah is eternal. Nothing may be added to it, nothing removed from it, and no prophet—Jew or gentile—may claim that G-d has sent him to establish a new commandment, abolish an existing one, reinterpret the Torah contrary to the tradition received from Moses, or declare that its commandments were intended only for a particular time. Such a person is a false prophet because he seeks to overturn the revelation at Sinai.

If this is so, asks Rambam, what is the purpose of prophecy after Moses? His answer is striking: “He does not come to establish a religion.” Rather, a prophet comes to strengthen the Torah, to call people back to faithful observance, and to warn them against abandoning G-d’s commandments. As the last of the prophets declared: “Remember the Torah of Moses My servant.” (Malachi 3:22)

Rambam then makes another remarkable point. Israel did not ultimately believe in Moses because of the miracles he performed. Miracles can always leave room for doubt; perhaps they were coincidence, illusion, or deception. The splitting of the sea, the manna, and the water from the rock were performed because the people needed them—not as proofs of Moses’ mission. The enduring foundation of faith was the revelation at Mount Sinai itself, where the entire nation witnessed G-d speaking to Moses. As Scripture says, “Behold, I come to you in the thickness of the cloud, so that the people may hear when I speak with you, and they will believe in you forever.” (Exodus 19:9)

This principle carries profound significance for Noahides. Many people begin their search for G-d through inspiring teachers, books, videos, or compelling personalities. Some encounter claims of miracles, visions, or new revelations. The Torah teaches us to admire wisdom, but never to surrender our discernment. The question is not whether a teacher is charismatic, persuasive, or even apparently miraculous. The question is whether his teachings remain faithful to the revelation that G-d has already given through Moses.

The Seven Noahide Laws derive their authority from that revelation. They are not subject to revision by later claims of prophecy or new religious movements. Every teacher, however gifted, remains accountable to G-d’s eternal word.

In every generation people search for the next spiritual innovation. The Torah points us in a different direction. The true messenger of G-d does not replace revelation; he reminds us of it. Truth does not become truer because it is spoken by an impressive personality, nor does it change because someone claims a new vision from Heaven. G-d’s final revelation through Moses remains the standard by which every subsequent claim is measured.

Now, reflect on the following questions:

Why do you think the Torah warns that even signs and wonders are not sufficient proof that a teacher speaks for G-d?
Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch explains that a person may once have been a true prophet and later become a false one. What does this teach us about placing our trust in human leaders?
Rambam writes that a prophet does not come to establish a new religion but to strengthen the Torah already revealed. How does this shape your understanding of authentic spiritual leadership?
Why is the public revelation at Mount Sinai a stronger foundation for faith than miracles alone?
How can we appreciate gifted teachers while ensuring that our ultimate loyalty remains with G-d and His revealed truth?
Are there voices in today’s world that encourage people to place personality, experience, or novelty above G-d’s revelation? How can we guard against this tendency?
How can we cultivate a faith that is rooted not in the latest spiritual trend, but in the enduring truth that G-d has already revealed?

Shabbat Shalom

By Rabbi Tani Burton

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