The Sifrei Devarim, a collection of early rabbinic legal commentaries on the Book of Deuteronomy, certainly seems to think so. It explores this very idea through the seemingly simple words "blessing and curse."
In Deuteronomy 11:26-27, we read about the choice between blessing and curse. The Sifrei Devarim understands this as a direct consequence of our actions: "‘blessing’ — that you hearken; ‘curse’ — that you do not hearken." It's a beautiful, elegant equation, isn't it?
This concept isn't isolated. The Sifrei Devarim then draws a parallel to the story of Cain and Abel in Genesis 4:7. Remember when God tells Cain, "If you do right, you will bear (a blessing), and if you do not do right, you will bear (a curse)"? The implication is clear: our choices have inherent consequences.
But how do we know this is the true interpretation?
Here's where R. Eliezer the son of R. Yossi Haglili enters the conversation. He poses a powerful question: "Who 'whispers' to you that in 'blessing and curse' the Torah meant that the blessing is your hearkening, and the curse, your not hearkening?" It's like he's challenging us to find the hidden connection, to dig deeper.
He then offers supporting evidence. Think about Proverbs 18:21: "Death and life are in the power of the tongue; and those who love it will eat its fruit." The Sifrei understands this to mean that "The lover of good will eat its fruit and the lover of evil will eat its fruit!" Our words, our actions, they have weight.
R. Eliezer, son of R. Yossi Haglili, asks again, "Who 'whispered' it to you?" and directs us to Psalms 34:13-15: "Who is the man who wants life, who loves days to see good? Guard your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit." It's a direct link – wanting a good life isn’t just about wishing; it’s about actively choosing good. It's about guarding our speech.
And he doesn't stop there. He brings in Proverbs 11:31: "If there is retribution for the righteous one in the land, how much more so for the evildoer and the sinner!" Again, R. Eliezer, son of R. Yossi Haglili, challenges us: "Who 'whispered' it to you?"
Finally, he points us to Proverbs 16:4: "The L-rd created all for His own sake — even the evildoer for the day of retribution." This verse, in particular, is fascinating. It suggests that even the existence of evil has a purpose within the grand scheme.
So, what does it all mean? The Sifrei Devarim, through the insightful questions and connections made by R. Eliezer the son of R. Yossi Haglili, seems to be telling us that we are not merely passive recipients of fate. We are active participants. Our choices, our actions, our very words – they all contribute to the blessings or curses we experience in our lives.
It’s a powerful, and perhaps a little daunting, thought. But it also offers a tremendous sense of agency. If the power to choose is truly ours, what will we choose today? What blessings will we create?