בס”ד

Parashat Re’eh: The Essence of Faith

Have you ever paused to truly consider the miracle of existence? Look around you: the sky, the trees, the intricate design of a flower. What sustains it all, moment by moment? Is it merely a static creation, set in motion long ago and left to its own devices or is it an ongoing creative Divine force at play?

In this week’s parasha, Re’eh (Deuteronomy 12:30 – 13:19), the Torah details a number of prohibitions and laws concerning idol worship, which stem from a lack of awareness of G-d Almighty. The core principle is: anything that denies the prophecy of Moses, who received the Torah and the Seven Commandments on Mount Sinai, is not to be believed.

Not to burn people, including sons and daughters, as offerings to false gods. This cruel practice was common among idolaters in ancient times. Not to believe someone who presents himself as a prophet and commands the worship of other gods. A false prophet or a person who incites others to idol worship should be removed, and in times when Noahide courts will be in place, he may be subject to a harsh punishment. With that being said, the main role of a Noahide court is not only to punish transgressors, but also to educate, guide, and ensure that the moral framework of the Seven Noahide Laws is being observed.

G-d is the source of all life and existence for everything in the universe—from the heavens to every tiny creature. It’s not just that G-d created them once, but that He continually provides them with life in an ongoing manner. This means that at any moment, creation is an act of bringing something from absolute nothingness. Every single moment, the existence of the heavens, the earth, and all living things is a fresh act of creation. It’s as if G-d is constantly saying “be” to every particle of existence.

Just as the soul is contained within the body and animates it from within, giving it its specific form and function, so too does G-d, He fills the universe, giving life to all its parts within their boundaries. During the redemption, all nations of the world will recognize the unity of G-d and worship Him together. This redemption will bring about true world peace, without wars or destruction. The whole world will be filled with the knowledge of G-d and goodness.

By Rabbi Moshe Bernstein



If you want more questions for contemplation, SEE THE OTHER BLOGS FROM RABBI MOSHE BERNSTEIN

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