Our Torah selection of Re'eh dramatically begins with the choice set before Israel. Obedience to the brit, the covenant, brings blessing. Violation of the brit results in misfortune. It is Israel's personal choice how she shall respond to G-d's call. Blessing is associated with Mt. Gerizim; curse is associated with Mt. Ebal. These two mountains dramatically frame the city of Nablus on the West Bank. Nablus is the Arabic name for the ancient city of Shechem, frequently mentioned in Genesis. Because of the significance of Shechem in early Biblical narratives, it is the sacred city of the Samaritans. There are several hundred Samaritans who still live in Nablus today along with approximately 100,000 Palestinians.

Deuteronomy 12 calls for the destruction of idolatrous shrines throughout the land of Israel. It draws attention to the centralization of Israelite worship at "the place which the L-rd your G-d shall choose out of all your tribes to put His name there." Most scholars agree that this is a reference to Jerusalem. King Josiah centralized Judean worship at the Temple in Jerusalem in the 8th century B.C.E. This act was part of his religious reform of the cultic life of Judah during his time.
The centralization of worship in Jerusalem resulted in the establishment of secular slaughter. However, the eating of blood is absolutely forbidden by the Torah.

Deuteronomy 13 admonishes the Israelites against following false prophets. The people should not be seduced by the miracles of the false prophet. The nation must listen to the content of the prophet's words. The Torah provides harsh punishment for individuals and communities that practice idolatry.

Deuteronomy 14 presents the dietary laws of Judaism. The characteristics of the acceptable animals are cloven hoofs and the chewing of the cud. The four animals that have one of these traits, but not both, are the most detested of the animals. These four animals are the camel, the rabbit, the rock-badger, and the swine. The permitted fish are those with fins and scales. The prohibited birds are birds of prey. Animals that die a natural death and are not slaughtered are forbidden. The Torah prohibits the cooking of the young kid in its mother's milk. Maimonides asserted that the pagan nations engaged in this practice. Others feel that this practice demonstrates compassion towards animals. The discussion of the dietary laws concludes with, "you are a holy people to the L-rd, your G-d." The purpose of these laws is kedusha, holiness. Israel is consecrated and distinctive through this observance.

The Torah addresses the individuals who are physically incapable of bringing their animal or agricultural gifts to Jerusalem. These parties may purchase animal or agricultural gifts in Jerusalem itself. The Levites must be supported by the nation, as they have no inheritance in the land itself.

The seventh year is consecrated as the Sabbatical year. All debts are to be forgiven during the Sabbatical year. The Torah mandates sharing with the needy. Indentured servants are given their freedom in the Sabbatical year and provided with gifts by their former masters. The indentured servants who refuse to accept their freedom are physically branded. A hole is gored in their ear as a sign of perpetual bondage.

Our Torah selection concludes with the three pilgrimage festivals of Passover, Shavuot, and Sukkot. The basic observances of the festivals are commanded. Passover requires the roasting and eating of the Paschal lamb before sunset. The Festival of the Unleavened Bread proscribes the eating of products with leaven. Shavuot celebrates the gifts of the summer harvest. Sukkot invokes the joy of the fall agricultural season. The joy of the three pilgrimage festivals is the theme of Deuteronomy.