In this week’s perasha, Re’eh, Moshe presents what seems like a straightforward choice to the Jewish People: “the blessing” or “the curse.” But if you look closely at the pesukim, you will notice a subtle difference.
For the blessing, the Torah states (Debarim 11:27): “The blessing, if you obey (listen to) the commandments.” For the curse (11:28), it adds a condition: “And the curse, if you do not obey… and you turn away from the path.”
Did you notice it? For the blessing, simply “listening” is enough. But for the curse, one must both “not listen” and take a physical action by “turning away.” Why the extra condition?
The Malbim explains that this isn’t a loophole; it’s a window into G-d’s infinite kindness. A good intention, a sincere attempt, is as valuable in His eyes as a completed action. When you set out to do a misva, even if you don’t fully succeed, you are credited for your effort. This transforms our service to G-d from a high pressure performance into a relationship built on love. As the Gemara teaches in Shabbat 127a, if one sets out to do a misva and is prevented by circumstances beyond their control, G-d credits them as if they had performed it.
The reverse is also true. G-d doesn’t hold us accountable for a bad thought or intention. The curse only applies when we act on it. This system encourages our good inclinations and gives us space to overcome our negative ones.
This idea stands in stark contrast to the famous line from Yoda in The Empire Strikes Back: “Do or do not. There is no try.“ Yoda’s message is that you must succeed to get the reward. The Torah, however, says otherwise. Yes, we should absolutely strive for success, but never be discouraged. For merely trying to do good, for even thinking to do good, we earn a reward. The Torah tells us to try anyway, because the effort itself is what G-d truly values. After all, it is G-d who brings success, not “our own strength” (Debarim 8:17). Therefore, all we truly own is our effort.
It can be very discouraging in the real world. A motivated student may not get into the best school; a dedicated athlete may not win the championship. But as far as the Torah is concerned, the sincere effort is its own victory.
So what does G-d want from us? He wants our hearts. He wants us to know it’s not always about doing, but about trying. While it’s true that you have a far better chance of worldly success when you try, the Torah’s message is even deeper: it’s a guarantee of spiritual success.
This week, that might look like the sincere effort to focus during prayer, even when your mind wanders; the conscious attempt to be patient with your family, even if you don’t get it perfect; or the decision to learn for just five minutes on a busy day. And much more.
In G-d’s eyes, that sincere effort isn’t just a chance at success, it’s a 100% success in and of itself.