In this week’s parshah, R’ei, Moshe Rabbeinu shares a message that resonates deeply with those facing sickness or adversity. He reminds us that despite our challenges, we have the power to transform our hardships into opportunities for growth and blessings.
Rashi’s commentary on the verse, “See, I present before you today a blessing and a curse” (Deuteronomy 11:26) sheds light on the concept of choice. Rashi explains that the word “see” implies not just looking, but truly understanding. He suggests that Moshe is urging us to truly see the potential blessings and curses that lie before us in our life journey.
When we are faced with sickness or struggles, it can be easy to focus solely on the difficulties and setbacks. However, just as Moshe implores us to “see,” we must strive to see beyond the immediate challenges and perceive the hidden blessings that might be concealed within. Our struggles can lead us to cultivate resilience, empathy, and a deeper connection to our inner strength.
Furthermore, Moshe emphasizes the importance of making conscious choices by saying, “Choose life, so that you and your offspring may live” (Deuteronomy 30:19). Rashi explains that the choice between life and death doesn’t solely refer to physical survival. Instead, it refers to choosing a life of spiritual growth, purpose, and connection to Hashem.
Just as Moshe told the Bnei Yisrael that they were not alone on their journey, we, too, are not alone in our struggles. Our faith and connection to Hashem can provide comfort and guidance. Just as Moshe reassured Bnei Yisrael that Hashem’s presence would be with them, we, too, can find strength in the knowledge that Hashem is with us as we navigate our challenges.
In times of difficulty, let us remember the lessons from Parshas R’ei and Rashi’s commentary. Let us choose to “see” the blessings amidst our struggles, make choices that lead to spiritual growth, and hold onto the faith that we are never alone on our journey. As we face our trials with courage and faith, may we find the strength to transform curses into blessings, and emerge from the darkness with renewed hope and inspiration.
List of People Who Need a r’fuah sh’leimah (a complete recovery)
Please recite Psalms 20, 30, 88, 121, and 130.
Amnon ben Rivkah
Yosef Chaim ben Rivkah Rachel
Rafael Yaakov ben Ayelet
Daniel Aharon ben Davida
Yaakov Yisrael Pinchas ben Tovah
Eliezer Yosef ben Avivah Chanah
Yitzchak ben Mazal Tov
Refael Chayim Meir ben Sima Chasha
Shmuel Moshe ben Alta Sayta
Tinok ben Sharona
Shabsai ben Pesha Rachel
Eisan Meir ben Laura
Eliyahu ben Miriam
Eliyahu Ochil ben Suriah
Avner ben Tamara
Reuven Shalom ben Sarah Leah
Avner ben Tamara
Reuven Shalom ben Sarah Leah
Rachamim Rodshel ben Sarah
Esther Rivkah Chanah bas Tamar
Esther Hadassah bas Devorah
Mitali Naomi bas Gilah Farcha
Jaleh Sarah bas Victoria Devorah
Adinah bas Chanah
Emunah Rivkah bas Zilpah
Aliza Sima bas Shayna Brachah
Chayah Shaina bas Raizel
Esther bas Zilpah
Maya bas Michal
Eliana bas Nelli
Vica bas Rinah
Yaffah bas Eiza
Dinah bas Rachel
To add names of individuals who need a r’fuah sh’leimah
to next week’s T’hilim column, please email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and complete the Google form.
