See

See, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse. Deut 11:26

In Hebrew, the word translated as "see" is "re-eh." It is in the second person singular. You, (singular) see. The phrase "before you", however, is in the second person plural. What does this teach us?

Individual and communal responsibility. A popular saying puts it this way: "All Israel is responsible for one another." Each person must do her part. Each person should feel as if the choice of blessing and curse was before her personally. And each person should also feel part of a larger whole. Any collective group-teams, armies, bands, communities-works best when all its separate parts are working together, each doing its part.

But how do we see an incorporeal thing? How do we see the choice of blessing or curse? How do we see what is promised but not yet come to pass? The curses are pronounced on Mount Ebal, the blessings on Mount Gerizim. The Israelites could see the mountains certainly, but not the actual words.

We hear words. Can we see words? And yet, how often do we say to one another, "I see what you're saying." Someone new to the English language might have a hard time understanding how we could say such a thing. You can't literally see the words that come out of a person's mouth.

What do we mean by see in this context then? Understanding, insight-notice the word 'sight'. When we see what someone says or means, we grasp what she is trying to convey.

We are to see (understand) that God has given us a choice. We can choose life and blessing or death and curse. It's up to us. Following the mitzvot (commandments) leads to life and blessing. Disobedience to God's laws leads to death and destruction. The choice seems obvious.

Yet, we all struggle daily with the choice of blessing and curse. Like Paul, and I daresay many others before and since, that which I desire to do, I don't and that which I don't want to do, I do. Would that I could see the right path and have the courage to follow it.