Title: Two Forms of Blessings At the funeral of the richest man in town, A stranger saw a man crying loud. “Are you a relative of the deceased?” “No.” “Then why are you crying?” “That’s why!” he released. See, I am placing before you today, The blessing and the curse, clear as day. Blessing, if you follow God’s command, Curse, if you stray from His guiding hand. This is the opening of Re’eh, the Torah’s light, But what’s this blessing and curse in sight? One way to grasp this profound divide, Is to see how the great translators confide. Rabbi Yonatan ben Uziel’s phrase, “The blessing and its exchange,” he displays. Implying a curse is an alternate form, Of the blessing’s essence, in a different storm. It seems strange, a curse not an exchange, Yet, life’s perspectives often change. We don’t swap a gift for pain, Yet, blessings may be hidden in life’s chain. Onkelos offers a literal view, “The blessing and the curse,” as written true. In the Aramaic, plain and clear, No hidden meanings, nothing to fear. But Rabbi Yonatan, with depth profound, Alludes to truths that sages found. What we see as pain or strife, May be blessings in disguise in life. Every moment, every event, Falls into this dual intent. Your life is either a blessing or curse, Moses tells us, it’s your choice to immerse. Love and blessings, always near, But you might “exchange” them, out of fear. It’s up to you, how you define, Every experience, every sign. Dr. Edith Eiger’s words ring true, “Suffering is universal; victimhood is due.” You can see your life as a blessing or course, Your marriage, children, all have force. Rabbi Yonatan’s wisdom is clear, God’s gifts are good, but we choose how they appear. God is always blessing, always giving, But it’s our choice, how we’re living. Sometimes blessings come wrapped in disguise, Looking like curses, to our eyes. But in those moments, deep inside, A new gift from God does abide. This work is deep, it takes resolve, But it’s the path we’re called to evolve. Moses invites us into this light, To see blessings, day and night.
