Parsha Ki Seitzei 5785
Sendy Freud
My First Post
This week’s parsha, Ki Seitzei, begins: “When you go out to war against your enemies…” (Devarim 21:10). On the surface, the Torah is speaking about a physical battle. But our sages explain that the words are much deeper. The Torah is also speaking about the inner battles of life — the challenges we face when we step into something new, when we strive to grow, and when we choose to live with purpose.
Think about those words — “Ki seitzei” — “when you go out.” Every real moment of growth in life begins with going out of our comfort zone. It means taking a step into the unknown, with the courage to face challenges. It could be starting something new, making a change, or even just asking ourselves: What’s the next step in my personal journey?
For me, this week is a very real “Ki Seitzei” moment. I’m beginning my role here in this community, stepping into something new and meaningful. Like with any new beginning, there’s excitement, but there’s also a certain amount of challenge. But the Torah reminds us: when we go out sincerely, we don’t go out alone. Hashem is with us, guiding us, strengthening us, and helping us succeed.
That’s not just true for me — it’s true for all of us. Every time someone here comes to a class, asks a question, or explores their Jewish identity more deeply, that’s a kind of “Ki Seitzei.” It’s going beyond what’s familiar. And the Torah is promising us: if you take the step, Hashem will walk with you and give you the strength to continue.
There’s also a deeper lesson. Notice that the Torah doesn’t say “if” you go out, but “when” you go out. It’s not optional. Life itself pushes us to face challenges and to grow. The question isn’t “IF” will we go out — the question is “HOW” will we go out, and with what mindset. Will we step forward with fear and hesitation, or with faith and determination?
So as I start this new role, I see it as more than just my personal journey. It’s something we’re all doing together — each of us stepping forward in our own way, choosing growth, choosing connection, choosing to bring more light into our lives. My hope is that together, we can each embrace our own “Ki Seitzei,” knowing that Hashem is with us, and that every step forward brings blessing and meaning.
Takeaway: “Every time we step forward in growth, Hashem steps with us.”
I am looking forward to meeting all of you over the coming days. I can be reached at RabbiSF@JoinOrlando.org.
Good Shabbos and Shabbat Shalom!
Rabbi Sendy Freud
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