Rabbi Daniel Siegel – Head of Jewish Life

Bestowing blessing

This week’s parashah, Re’eh, is remarkable for its doubling of verbs, particularly in reference to benefacting another. While the Bible is employing a literary technique to emphasise the importance of the action being commanded, our Rabbinic tradition utilises this kafel lashon/double wording to move beyond the straightforward meaning of the text to engage hearts beyond hands.

The biblical command Patoach Tiftach/פתוח תפתח – “You shall surely open your hand” to the poor and needy, explains our Jewish tradition, should also be read as Pituach Tiftach -“An opening will open”. Once you open your hand to another you will have created an opening in your heart that will benefit you and empower you to continue to benefit others.

In being enjoined Aser Te’aser/עשר תעשר- “You shall surely tithe” your produce for the landless (Levites), fatherless, stranger and widow, the Talmud explains, we are also being reminded that Aser Te’asher – the one who so tithes will in turn be enriched.

With the culminating statement Naton Teetein/נתון תתן -“You shall surely give” to him and not be grieved in your heart in accounting this as a loss to you, the Rabbis note Natun Teetein – you are giving that which had been given unto you. You are fortunate in that you can benefit another with that which you have been benefited.

Our Jewish tradition points out that the verb natan/to give is a palindrome indicating that in giving one will in turn be given. In the Midrash on the book of Ruth, whose protagonist is an exemplar of giving, the Rabbis say “More than the rich does for the poor, the poor does for the rich”.

In giving we enrich and sustain others, as well as ourselves, well beyond monetary benefits.

Perhaps this is how we might understand our parshah’s promise: There shall be no needy among you, for the Lord “shall surely bless you” – Barekh Yevarekhekha/ברך יברכך.