Decisions, decisions – Re’eh
It’s a strain to have to make decisions. To sit back and abdicate and let others do the thinking and deciding for us is much easier. Some people try it all the time and occasionally even succeed.
But Judaism is not impressed with this almost agnostic way of avoiding responsibility. It has a different principle, enunciated at the beginning of this week’s portion: “Behold, I put before you this day a blessing and a curse”.
That’s what life is – a choice between options. Some things are blessings. Some are curses. Some are good for us. Some are the opposite. Trying to walk in the middle and avoid having to decide for one or the other is not only lazy; it is also dangerous.
Especially in matters of morality. The right thing is sometimes unpalatable. Choosing the less moral option may often be far more attractive. But the path of Judaism was always the path of moral courage. It may cost a person popularity or material advantage, but being true to conscience allows no alternative.
Yes, in the media you are governed by the ratings; If the public likes what you do, that’s when you think you have done well. But even if everyone votes against you and your ratings plummet, you have to be able to gird your loins and opt for that which is right, good, just, and approved by God.
