Aug 26th 2011, 00:00

            As we mark this weekend the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina striking and devastating the Gulf Coast, all eyes are on another spinning eye heading for the East Coast.  Fortunately, today’s technology allows us to see what is happening, what is about to happen, and to prepare for the worst.  The visuals of that turning and churning monster out there in the Atlantic are frightening, and the projected path will take it over some of the most populated cities in our country. I know all of us here on the Left Coast will be watching and hoping for the best for our family, friends, and fellow citizens who will be affected by this major storm.
            There is no doubt that the satellite and radar images of a hurricane are very powerful.  When it is out in open water it is beautiful and awe-inspiring.  When we see it bearing down on land and people it fills us with images of terror and pain.  We are reminded that it is through our eyes that we take in, absorb, and process the world around us.  More than our other senses, our vision helps our minds understand what is happening.
            This week’s Torah portion, Re’eh, is all about seeing and looking.  The first word, in fact, re’eh, means “look” or “see.”  Like the “Sh’ma” a few chapter earlier, both words are in the command form.  Here God is telling us to open our eyes and process what lies before us.  In the Torah, it is blessings and curses, and later life and death.  The Torah here wants to wake us up to pay attention to the choices we have and the choices we choose to make.
            In our society many people make choices without looking or thinking.  Most things today are done on emotion or feeling, on impulse and snap-decision making.  Our media and all the advertising we are subjected to want us to “just do it” without taking the time to look, see, and think about whatever decision we are about to make.  Our Torah this week reminds us of the power and importance of using the gift of sight to process the choices we have.  We indeed have more choices than we think we do, if only we would take the time to see them.
            Tonight at Temple, join us for a dairy potluck dinner out on the Merkaz (patio) at 6:30 PM.  Then, speaking of visuals, join us for our fabulous Musical Shabbat service, which will utilize our newly-installed video projection system in the sanctuary.  The words and prayers will be projected up on a screen for all to see and this will provide for a new kind of worship experience known as Visual T’filah.  Of course, you can always watch the service live on our Temple website (www.templebethtikvah.com).  Click on Live Services.
            Tomorrow, we will have Torah Study and our Shabbat morning service as usual.  Have a great weekend and stay cool!