Word by Word

From our vantage-point we see negativity and we have a need to rationalize it. From G-d’s “perch” there is only blessing. In the imminent Messianic Age we will all see things from His perspective.

From Above

This week’s Torah portion of R’ei begins with the verse, “See I am giving to you today a blessing…”

This verse refers to the fact that the blessing, and the revelation of G-dliness that accompanies it comes from Above. Accordingly, the blessings are of the highest and most profound order. Indeed, the Rebbe explains how each of the words of this verse emphasizes that approach.

R’ei-See

The Hebrew word for this word, R’ei, translated literally as “see,” implies the establishment of a deep and powerful connection. Thus our Sages state, “hearing does not resemble seeing,” and they forbid an eyewitness from acting as a judge. Once someone has seen a misdeed committed, he will never be able to conceive of a redeeming virtue for a defendant. In contrast, when a person is told about an event, he is allowed to serve as a judge and indeed, all trials depend on listening to such testimony.

What is the reason for this distinction? When hearing, one approaches a concept step by step, gathering all the particulars. This resembles an ascent upward. In contrast, when seeing, one is brought into direct contact with an event as a totality all at once. Only afterwards, does one focus attention on the particulars.

Hence seeing is associated with the dynamic energy that comes from Above

“Anochi-I”

The Hebrew word used here, Anochi, rather than the more common “ani” communicates a greater magnitude of pride. It suggests that the speaker I saying, “I, whomever I truly am.”

In this context this is a reference to G-d’s very essence, suggesting that the blessings and Revelation derive from G-d’s innermost essential being.

Nosain-am Giving

The Talmud states that, “One who gives a gift [in contrast to one who sells a product] gives it with a good eye.” This implies that the giver of a gift, gives it with pleasure and with the most favorable terms.

This implies that the Giver’s giving is one that does not look at the worthiness of the recipient. Unlike a purchase, which requires his substantial investment, the gift is given because of the good will of the Giver. And because it is given so graciously it is given with the most liberal terms.

Lifneichem-Before You

“Lifneichem” in Hebrew relates to the word “pnimiyus” — inner dimension. This is a reference to the nature of G-d’s giving wherein the flow of energy is internalized within the recipient.

At first glance, this internalizing aspect of the blessing could appear to come from the recipient. However, in this context it can only happen from G-d’s infinite power.

The rationale for this, the Rebbe explains is as follows:

When something comes from below it first touches one’s external layers and only later does it penetrate more deeply into one’s inner sanctum. By contrast when the influence comes from above it first touches one’s more spiritual side which is internal and only then the external. Since the Torah mentions the blessing will be given to our internal level it indicates that it comes from above.

Hayom - Today

This reflects the concepts of light and revelation, for the day is the time of light. It is also associated with a dimension of eternality, as our Sages state, “Whenever the word `today’ is used [the influence] is eternal and forever.”

Once again the theme of something that is infinite and must come from on High.

Beracha-Blessing and…

When the Torah speaks of blessings and its reverse as coming from G-d it actually refers to two modes of G-dly blessings: the overt, contained blessings as well as the more transcendent, but hidden, blessings.

Since both of these categories of blessings come from G-d, those blessings which manifest themselves as the reverse, will ultimately be transformed into overt blessings.

If we were dealing with open blessings exclusively, it would leave the negative forces to continue their obfuscation and the hidden dimension of G-d’s blessings would not come to fruition.

But where does the power to transform these concealed blessings? The answer is that it must come directly from, G-d, for whom they were never anything but powerful and transcendent blessings.

As long as we are in exile, we still have to deal with the blessings remaining hidden and to find solace in the fact that they are inherently blessings.

As soon as the Redemption will unfold, imminently, we will be exposed to G-d’s direct light, in relation to which there is only revealed and unrestricted blessing.

From the book Light from the Future: Parshas Rei by Rabbi Heschel Greenberg, published by the Jewish Discovery Center.