Parshat Re’eh begins with being told that Hashem has given us both a blessing and a curse. How could this thing that Hashem has given us be both a blessing and a curse? How can something be two opposite things at the same time?

Specifically, this parsha is speaking about the Torah. The Torah—when followed—creates blessing, but when it is not followed, it brings curses. Therefore, it does make sense how one thing could cause different results. It is not only the Torah that can cause these different results but other objects, events, or people in our life. In life, blessings and curses come to those who ask for them. It is how we perceive things.

Re’eh—the name of this week’s parsha—means “to look.” When we look at mitzvot/commandments as positive and have a positive outlook on life, then we bring happiness and blessing to our lives. However, when we look at mitzvot as negative and have a negative outlook on life, we bring anger, sadness and curses to our lives. This verse in the parsha is trying to get us to look inside ourselves and to recognize that while Hashem is the controller, Hashem gives us free will. A lot is left for us to choose. Our choices and actions are what is the source of our blessings. We are the ones who can bring blessings and curses upon ourselves. Choose blessings and choose happiness because it is our choice.

May we all “Re’eh”—look at the good, choose blessings and stay away from curses.