Parashat Re'eh: The choice to choose

The Torah portion Re'eh, read during the Jewish month of Elul, emphasizes the concept of choice, presenting a blessing for heeding God's commandments and a curse for not. This theme is further highlighted in Deuteronomy 30:19, which states, "I have put before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life." The article explains that individuals must identify their "point of choice"—areas of greatest personal struggle—and choose correctly. It refutes the mistaken belief that choices are predetermined, citing Maimonides, who wrote, "Everything is done according to God's will, yet our actions are entrusted to us." The summary concludes by stressing that while God provides a framework, many aspects of life, such as Shabbat observance and prayer, are shaped by individual choices, urging readers to embrace their power of choice for a life of eternal meaning.