This weeks Parsha, Re’eh, starts off: “See, I put before you a blessing and a curse...”
This is Hashem speaking to the Jewish people (through Moshe). We must ask: If Hashem is all good, what does it mean that He gives a curse? Especially here, Hashem refers to himself as Anochi, which is not one of Hashem’s names. Anochi means “I.” When Hashem refers to himself as Anochi, it is referring to His essence which is greater than any of His names; the quintessential “I,” Hashem’s essence. How is it possible that the essence of Hashem can be connected to a curse?
Targum Yonason translates the word u’klala (curse), u’chilufa (and it’s exchange). In other words, there is a blessing, and then there is something other, similar but different.
There are different kinds of blessings. There are superficial blessings, the ones we all see. The basic pleasures we recognize as good. Then there is a deeper good which comes into the world through difficulty and suffering. We don’t see them as blessings at the onset, however, with time, we recognize how they are truly blessings.
Many times, it’s the suffering, that brings the greatest amount of change in the world.
As many witnessed this week*, how a disease like ALS, brought so much joy, positivity and togetherness. Throwing a bucket of ice and water on the head. How many good deeds, kindnesses, prayers & friendship were generated?
So the verse could be understood like this: Behold, I give before you a revealed blessing and a concealed blessing. Anochi, Hashem’s essence then is only connected to blessing. Different kinds of blessing.
Unfortunately, no one is free from suffering. Recognizing that it’s from Hashem will keep you positive. As you will be filled with a deep sense of purpose, knowing that your suffering is making a difference. It is accomplishing a great good for Hashem.
May Hashem send clear, open and revealed blessing. There is no need for suffering anymore. We are all ready for moshiach to come.
*Written in 2014
