Parasha Re’eh opens with a polarizing statement from Moses. “See, I set before you today a blessing and a curse" (Deuteronomy 11:26-28). 

The wording is intentional. Instead of speaking about the nation collectively, Moses addresses each person individually. Every Israelite must decide for themselves which path to follow. Faith, values, and commitment cannot simply be inherited from the people around us. They require a personal choice. It’s a recurring theme in the Torah: G-d wants the Israelites to choose a side individually, or in other words, affirm where their faith lies without being swayed by the broader community. 

But the word that stands out most to me is "today."

In his commentary, Or HaChaim notes that Moses says "I set before you today a blessing and a curse" — not "I have set" or "I will set," but today, present tense, always now. This suggests that the decision to commit and to try is not something we make once, but rather a choice we must make repeatedly.

That is both challenging and comforting. 

While Hashem is saying that every day allows you to make a fresh start, he also asserts that yesterday's successes do not necessarily carry over into today. The next day is always an open door into a blank canvas; each day is an opportunity to create and shape what is important to us without thinking or considering the constraints of the day before. And if every day is a new opportunity, then every day requires a new commitment. Thus the choice Moses describes is not a one-time decision. 

Further, lots of people see discipline as a decision you can make once and it will follow you for the rest of your life. Discipline is valuable, but Re'eh reminds us that discipline alone isn't enough. Habits can sustain our actions, but only intention gives them meaning. In a spiritual context, the significance is clear: being up to pray every day means very little unless you come with something to pray for. I think that's what makes this parasha so relevant. Every morning, we are given another opportunity to choose what kind of person we want to be. 

Every morning after waking up, we sing “Modeh (f: Modah) ani l'fanecha melech chai v'kayam, shehechezarta bi nishmati b'chemla, rabah emunatecha.” 

"I offer thanks to You, living and eternal King, for You have mercifully restored my soul within me; Your faithfulness is great." 
Every time we wake up, Hashem restores our soul again. In doing so, He generously grants us one more chance — not just to go through the motions, but to live with purpose and intention. This parasha intends to show us that holiness is not found in routine alone; it comes from the meaning we bring to our actions, and our Kavanah (intention). Just as we have faith that G-d will return our soul every morning, we must have faith in ourselves to make each day count. 

So, my friends, as BBYO Summer comes to a close, remember that tomorrow isn’t simply another day. It’s another opportunity to commit ourselves to something greater — our friendships, values, and faith. To make the world a better place. 

Shabbat Shalom, BBYO!
— א Lev Shulman
Shabak AZA, Great Midwest Region