Lift Your Eyes: The Torah's Timeless Message in a Distracted World

It is almost impossible to imagine life today without the technology that surrounds us in nearly every area of our lives. It continues to advance at an astonishing pace, especially in communication. In the past, people exchanged letters carried by messengers or carrier pigeons, and information could take months to travel from one country to another. Today, a gentle tap on a screen sends a message across the globe in seconds. It may not be long before we no longer need even that tap, as information is transmitted by thought alone.

How many of us are able to leave home without a mobile phone? Many people feel as though the world will come to a halt if they are unavailable for even a short time.

Ironically, while the telephone was originally invented to connect people, it often accomplishes the opposite. Although it gives us the ability to speak with others, it frequently disconnects us from the people physically around us.

Two friends meet, but they remain absorbed in their phones. Years ago, strangers might have struck up a conversation while riding a bus together. Today, each person is enclosed within a private digital world. People walk down the street with their eyes fixed on a screen just inches away instead of lifting their gaze to the world around them.

How ironic that this field is still called "communication." For all the tremendous benefits technology provides, it can also separate people rather than bring them together.

In the past, people paused to admire breathtaking scenery or marvel at the beauty of a flower, allowing the experience to fill their hearts. Today, many are preoccupied with finding the perfect camera angle.

We have stopped seeing, and we have stopped listening.

Against this backdrop, the opening word of this week's Torah portion speaks directly to every one of us: "See!"

Lift your eyes. Observe. Look beyond what is immediately in front of you.

Immediately afterward, the Torah calls upon us to listen: "See, I set before you today a blessing and a curse: the blessing, if you listen to the commandments of the Lord your God... and the curse, if you do not listen to the commandments of the Lord your God" (Deuteronomy 11:26-28).

On the words, "the blessing, if you listen," the Ibn Ezra comments: "By listening, you are already blessed." The very willingness to hear is itself a blessing.

When we learn once again to see and to listen, blessing begins to enter our lives.

Learning to Look Beyond the Moment

What should we see? And to whom should we listen?

We must honestly examine the paths before us and listen to the Torah, which illuminates our way through life's uncertainties.

The Midrash illustrates this idea with a powerful parable.

A traveler arrives at a fork in the road where two paths lie before him. One begins as a smooth, pleasant road but eventually becomes filled with thorns and brambles. The other begins with thorns and obstacles but ultimately opens into a level, comfortable path.

A wise man sits at the crossroads warning travelers not to be deceived by the road that appears easier. Though attractive at first, its destination is painful. The more difficult path, despite its rough beginning, leads to peace and safety.

Moses tells the Jewish people that every person constantly stands before these same two roads. One path appears enjoyable and effortless but ultimately leaves a person wounded and trapped. The other demands discipline and sacrifice at the outset but leads to lasting fulfillment.

The Hard Road Leads to Lasting Blessing

Nearly everything worthwhile in life requires effort. Success in any field demands hard work, perseverance, and patience. This is especially true in spiritual growth. Few challenges are more difficult than changing one's character, yet few achievements are more rewarding.

Consider a simple example.

A person addicted to cigarettes is told by a doctor that there are two possible paths. One path is difficult at first: stop smoking, endure the discomfort of withdrawal, and fight the addiction. But in the end comes health, freedom, and renewed strength.

The other path is easy at first: continue smoking, give in to temptation, and avoid the struggle. Yet that seemingly comfortable road eventually leads to illness, suffering, and even death.

Cigarettes are merely one illustration of the many temptations presented by the evil inclination. The Torah tells us that two roads always lie before us, and urges us to choose the one that is difficult in the beginning. The effort to overcome temptation ultimately brings deep satisfaction and inner peace.

Conversely, when a person gives in to temptation, the pleasure may seem sweet at first. Before long, however, it is replaced by disappointment, sadness, and regret. A familiar question begins to echo within: How did I fall into the same trap again? Where is my true self?

This is the Torah's message: See. Look farther ahead. Think beyond the immediate moment. Do not allow temporary pleasure to determine the course of your life.

Looking Toward Eternity

The Torah calls upon us to look not only a few steps ahead, but far beyond this world. Our vision should extend toward the World to Come, the eternal reality for which this life serves as preparation.

When a person keeps eternity in mind, daily choices take on new meaning. Priorities become clearer, and momentary temptations lose much of their power. Let us stop being spiritually shortsighted. Let us lift our eyes and learn to see farther — toward God Himself.

Our Torah portion begins with the words, "See, I..." If we truly begin to see, we will immediately recognize the One who says "I" — the Holy One, blessed be He.