Many children are candy lovers, and when it comes to Shabbat, I feel that is the most suitable time to fulfill that desire for the need for candy. In the Beit Knesset, there is always the person who gives the kids candy every time they ask. At kiddush or even at dessert after meals, for the special day of Shabbat, people put out candy and fun treats. The kids and even some of us adults are so happy because of all these delicious treats, but there is a limit to this.

Everything in life has a limit. In Parshat Re’eh, Hashem allows us to recognize that desire, too, has a limit; it is not only bad. We are told that we can eat meat because we desire it in our soul, but we must stay strong and not eat blood because blood is the soul. Seeing all the Shabbat treats, you may desire to have them all, but in reality, if you eat them all, you will feel sick.

Desire is the yearning of the soul that can give us motivation and gravitate us toward a certain action. However, Hashem reminds us in this parsha that to be pulled toward things like eating meat to satiate our hunger or a Shabbat treat that allows us to rejoice for Hashem is good. Despite that, desire can also cause us to be excessive and consume that which isn’t good for us. Parshat Re’eh, which means to see, alludes to opening our eyes regarding desire. We may follow our desires, but we also must know when we can’t just go after our heart, eyes and wants. We need to know when to use our wisdom as well.

May we all be able to go after our desires that are good for us, and may our desires be used to push us to do mitzvot and good things. May we be able to know when we must stop going after our desires and use the wisdom Hashem gave us to make good choices!

Shira Sedek is a passionate educator currently working toward a master’s degree at Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration.