ONE FOR ALL AND ALL FOR ONE
“Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse” [Devarim 11:26]

The opening words of this week’s parasha have sparked much discussion. A nuance of the Hebrew is lost in translation. The verse begins with Re’eh—“See”—in the singular, as if addressing one person, and then continues lifneichem—“before you”—in the plural, addressing the whole community.

Why begin in the singular and end in the plural?

One answer is given by the Chatam Sofer, Rabbi Moses Sofer of Pressburg (1762–1839). He teaches that each of us carries responsibility not only for ourselves, but for those around us—and ultimately for the entire world. Every deed has the power to tip the balance. Our Sages taught that a person should see himself and the whole world as evenly poised between merit and guilt: one good deed can tilt the scale toward blessing for all humanity, and one misdeed can tilt it the other way.

This idea pushes against the easy thought that my actions are too small to matter. Torah insists otherwise. Even the smallest choices of an individual can shape the destiny of the many.

Thus, explains the Chatam Sofer, G-d tells each individual Re’eh: “See—understand that through you I set before all of you, collectively, a blessing and a curse.” Each one of us has the power to bring blessing not only upon ourselves, but upon the world.

Today, our growing awareness of the environment reminds us how much impact a single action can have. Recycling, conserving energy, or reducing waste may seem minor on their own, yet collectively they change the very future of our planet.

In our fast-moving digital world, this truth is clearer than ever. Social media shows us vividly how a single voice, a single action, can ripple outward and “go viral.” A post, a message, or a word of kindness can inspire thousands; a careless or harsh word, G-d forbid, can do untold harm. In an age where influence travels further than ever, we are called to be even more mindful of the blessings we can spread.

Re’eh—see! Each of us is entrusted with this responsibility and this opportunity. As we enter Shabbat, may we open our eyes to the blessings within our reach, and may the good we do as individuals bring light and merit to our community, our people, and the world.