Re'eh
Worship: Where, Who and How?
Parshat Re'eh is the last parashah we read before Rosh Hodesh
Ellul – the beginning of the month of Ellul and the four weeks of
reflection that precede Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. In Parshat Re'eh, Moshe seems to offer a model for the one true Jewish style of
worship. This model will be
questioned, even turned on its head, in the story of the prophet Jonah that we
read on Yom Kippur.
In Parshat Re'eh, Moshe explains that God will choose one single site
for worship where all sacrifices must be brought. Animals, however, may be slaughtered and eaten anywhere. In addition, the Israelites must beware
of nations with different religious practices, and of questionable prophets.
In the Book of Jonah, we
read the story of the prophet Jonah – an Israelite man with a
questionable commitment to God.
God sends Jonah to preach to Israel's enemies. Despite Jonah's reluctance, all who meet him become
followers of the Israelite God, and worship wherever they happen to be at the
moment. Even their animals put on
sackcloth and repent! God explains
explicitly to Jonah how valuable each and every person and animal is.
The literary message? Our Tanakh (Bible) offers a variety of religious perspectives.
The historical message? Judaism has been practiced many different ways. The spiritual message? As you prepare for the High Holidays,
start where you are – every journey towards repentance is valuable.
-- Rabbi Laura Duhan Kaplan
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"Taste of Torah" list.
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