Parashat: Ree en Inglés 5786.

REÉ First Aliyá Moshé tells the people: “See, I set before you today a blessing and a curse.” The blessing comes if they obey the commandments of HaShem, and the curse if they turn away. This choice will be proclaimed on Mounts Guerizim and Eibal when they enter the Land. HaShem asks that worship be centralized: “the place that HaShem will choose to cause His Name to dwell there.” Sacrifices will be brought there. Offering sacrifices in other places is forbidden. Animals may be slaughtered for food anywhere, but the blood is forbidden because it belongs to the Altar. There is also a warning concerning the false prophet and anyone who entices others toward idolatry: they must be judged. The laws of kashrut are repeated, concerning permitted animals and fish, as well as birds that are not permitted. Then come the laws concerning tithes: a portion is eaten in Yerushalayim, or it may be exchanged for money in order to purchase food there. In certain years, that tithe goes to the poor. The firstborn of the livestock are offered in the Temple, and their meat is eaten by the Cohén. Great emphasis is placed on tzedaká: helping those in need through a gift or a loan.