spirit d
jews
in
the
t orah portion
section name
SIMPLY THE
BEST
Realistic Adjustments
B
efore entering the promised
land, Moses prepares the
Israelites by going over how
they should act and the laws they
should follow. He reminds them of
the importance of acting in accor-
dance with the laws even as they
enter into a new land and a new way
of life.
In Re’eh, there is an
emphasis on making sure
food to feast on there.
sacrifices only take place in
This is an example of
the central location of the
adjusting or allowing room
temple, a location that “God
for different circumstances.
will choose.” This poses a
The changes allow more
challenge for the Israelite
people to take part in those
meat eaters. In the desert,
spiritual practices. It is a
the only way the Israelites
recognition that there can be
could eat meat was through Rabbi Rebecca
physical barriers to participa-
Walker
offering an animal as a sac-
tion, that it is worthwhile to
rifice and then enjoying it
make adjustments. It is tak-
as part of a sacrificial meal.
ing into account the physical
Now that the Israelites are prepar-
needs of those around us, not just the
ing to spread out across the land, it
spiritual. When we do so, we make
is much harder for them to all get to
our spaces more welcoming.
that one central location to offer the
In my work at Hillel, it is some-
sacrifices so they could eat meat.
thing I have seen in action; because
So what happens? The Israelites
Michigan State’s campus is so big,
receive permission and instruction
it makes a difference when we help
on how to eat meat outside of a sac-
coordinate rides for students to be
rificial context (Deuteronomy 12:15).
able to come to events. Or when I was
running a morning minyan, offering
There is a realization that the expec-
breakfast to give people one less thing
tation everyone will not only offer
to worry about when trying to get out
sacrifices in Jerusalem but also only
of their houses so early in the morn-
eat meat when it’s a sacrifice is not
ing. Certain small changes can go a
realistic, so the Torah makes adjust-
long way toward helping people show
ments to this new reality.
up and making them feel welcome. •
This is the same with the laws of
tithing in this Torah portion. First the
Rebecca Walker is the senior Jewish educator
ideal: Bring all the first fruits to the
at Michigan State University Hillel and the Hillel
temple (Deuteronomy 14:22). Then
Campus Alliance of Michigan.
comes the recognition that this might
not be possible for everyone. The
Torah gives us another option: If you
CONVERSATIONS
are unable to bring the tithe (which
What was a time someone made you
for many would include animals,
feel welcome? Have you ever made
produce, heavy stuff), then trade it
an adjustment to allow someone
all in for money and bring the money
else to be able to show up and par-
to the temple. Once they arrive with
ticipate? What can we do to make
their money, they can use it to buy
our Jewish spaces more welcoming?
Parshat Re’eh:
Deuteronomy
11:26-16:17;
Isaiah 54:11-55:5.
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