Parsha Re'ei

Parsha Re'ei (Deut.11:26-16:17) starts with Torah urging us to open our eyes and really SEE (Re'ei) the available blessings of a life of mitzvas, and the downside of the curse if we choose to go down the path of going AGAINST Torah.

The end of the parsha uses an interesting usage of the same root ר-א (re'eh, to see), stating ''Do not be SEEN (do not 'appear') before Hashem ''reikom'', empty handed.
Judaism is unique in assigning human being a specific task in this world, to be an active ''GUARDIAN of the garden'', a contributing member of our relationship with Hashem, not merely a docile servant, but a PARTNER.

It is sobering and ennobling how much Hashem TRUSTS us. He has entrusted us with being stewards of this world, and we, while given GUIDANCE, are given FREEDOM to act according to our intellect and our CONSCIENCE.

Hence the parsha ends with a warning: use your ability to SEE, and remember how you will be SEEN by G-od at the of your journey. How will you APPEAR before G-od when you return to Him? Do not arrive empty-handed of the achievements you were capable of fulfilling!

(This might be a good time to remember the halachic principle of ''maarat ayen'', the prohibition of presenting a potentially deceiving or misleading APPEARANCE, even while not actively engaging in anything improper.

The classic example is not partaking of kosher food in a non-kosher establishment, lest some casual viewer assumes the place serves kosher food. On the flip side, we musn't assume either.

When we see someone in seemingly compromising situation, we shouldn't jump to conclusions without knowing the context, and the full picture.
So remember, even when doing something right and righteous, be aware how it might APPEAR.

I was reminded of this principle this Friday, when trying to provide a sympathetic ear to a troubled stranger, who ASSUMED my actions in certain way and was very offended.

I failed to be aware how my actions and my words APPEAR to others.
We are living in a world of assumptions, appearances and choices. While we are responsible for our personal choices, we need to be aware how we APPEAR to others as well- how our actions, words, even casual gestures or expressions, are PERCEIVED and SEEN by others. Be careful not to hurt anyone even while doing a mitzva!