| "Look, I place before you today a blessing and a curse" (Devarim 11:26). The truth of HaShem's pronouncement of the significance of Torah observance touches the very soul of man. Yet, a question arises: what does the Torah convey by the word seemingly superfluous word, "Look"? The answer is, we might think that "the blessing" and "the curse" is only perceived in the World to Come. Therefore, the Torah says, "Look": observe people in this world and you will recognize the promise of the verse is fulfilled within them. "Look" at the lives of observant Jewish people, and see they are blessed with special sweetness, wholesomeness, and holiness. Conversely, we see the lives of those who pursue the material world are filled with frustration, shallowness, and moral confusion.
By observing the people around us, we can clearly see the truth of the Torah's declaration that there are good consequences for upholding the Mitzvot, and difficult consequences for transgressing it.
Reflect on the joy, closeness, and holiness that we experience Friday night at the Shabbos table. Hear the singing of Shalom Aleichem and Eishet Chayil. Contemplate on the beautiful words of the Kiddush, which express that HaShem created the world in six days and rested on Shabbos. Take note how the holy Shabbos enriches your life, brings you close to HaShem, and grants you peace of mind.
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