Dvar Torah for Parshat Re'eh

Based on Likutey Moharan, 172

And when God shows a cheerful PaNiM (face) there is = life and good in the world. And if [He shows the] opposite, the = opposite, God forbid. Similarly in the case of the tzaddik. If he shows = a cheerful face, it's good. And if not, not. Thus, the verse = (Deuteronomy 11:26) tells us, "See! I am putting LiPhNeiKheM = (before you; literally, to your face) today blessing or = curse."

The tzaddik is much more successful at imitating the Creator than we = ordinary folk. Nonetheless, "Your people are all tzaddikm" (Isaiah = 60:21). Each of us has, to a greater or lesser degree, the ability to = spread some of that Godly life and goodness that He wants so much to = give us. In fact, when the Rebbe writes about God showing a "cheerful = face" we know he doesn't mean it in a physical sense, because God = doesn't have a physical face. So how does God indicate to us that = He's smiling or not?

Through His chosen people, His ambassadors-at-large in this world. = When we greet others, all others, with a cheerful countenance we give = them life - literally, as the Rebbe says (Rabbi Nachman's Wisdom #43) - = and good. That in turn inspires them to smile and to "turn on the good," = thereby giving them the opportunity to serve God by being the vehicles = through which He gives even more of His good to the world.

"See what power I've put in your face," says God. "Blessing or ...." = So do us all a favor and smile!

Agutn Shabbos!
Shabbat Shalom!