Bs”d
Parshas Re-‘ey (5760)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
We are approaching the last lap of summer vacations; ready to absorb the remaining few drops of relaxation and pleasure. Our calendar tells us it is Parshas Re-‘ey and calls out Shabbos Mivorchim of Chodesh Elul. Part of our glorious past in our communities of old, in the streets of the market place, on the Friday before Shabbos Mivorchim Elul one was able to feel the Elul “chill” upon them. The seedlings of the awe of the Yomim Noraim are present already Erev Shabbos, not just in the Bais Midrash but amongst the lowest of the population mingling in the market place. In truth it is really all connected, erev Shabbos brings a blessing to Shabbos. Shabbos brings blessing to the week that follows that in our case contains Rosh Chodesh Elul. Rosh Chodesh brings a bracha to the whole month that is culminated by Rosh HaShana.
“Re-‘ey Anochi Nosain Lifneichem HaYom Bracha U’Klala”. The specific usage by the Chumash of the word Re-‘ey has far-reaching significance and an important lesson. One of the many vital mechanisms Hashem planted within us is our power of imagination. This comes along with the ability to visualize and create images. This awesome mechanism can be used or rather, wasted, on trivialities, or harnessed for a most productive and vital task. By creating realistic, vivid pictures of our goals with their rewards we are programming our senses and enlisting a powerful auxiliary for our motivation—Re-‘ey, see and visualize.
There are surely deep and great secrets in the brachos of Har Grizim and klolos of Har Eval, however, I would like to share a simple observation here. Visiting once at the location of these two mountains I witnessed a breathtaking sight. Jutting out in front of you is the magnificent mountain Har Grizim completely covered from its base to its peak with greenery and vegetation. Along side of it is located Mt. Eval and from its foot to its top, completely barren of any growth, naked rock. The contrast is so dramatically outstanding. Re-‘ey—see and visualize.
Have great visions of great goals and Be-ezras Hashem – great accomplishments.