Inspirational Moment

In Parshas Bechukosai (26:12), the pasuk states, “V’his’halachti b’sochechem v’hoyisi lochem l’Elokim …-- I will walk among you,” and Rashi says, “Hashem will walk with you in Gan Eden, like one of you.”

The Torah promises unlimited brachos if Bnai Yisroel do the will of Hashem -- toil in Torah

In Parshas Bechukosai (26:12), the pasuk states, “V’his’halachti b’sochechem v’hoyisi lochem l’Elokim …-- I will walk among you,” and Rashi says, “Hashem will walk with you in Gan Eden, like one of you.”

The Torah promises unlimited brachos if Bnai Yisroel do the will of Hashem -- toil in Torah and guard Hashem’s mitzvos – without specifically enumerating the reward for each mitzvah. Yet the truth is that the objective is not to perform the mitzvos in order to merit reward; our obligation is to fulfill the will of Hashem because we are His servants and these are His commands.

Rabbi Yechezkel Levenstein (1895-1974), the Mashgiach of Ponovezh in Eretz Yisroel, cites the Zohar who asks: Why doesn’t the Torah explicitly name the rewards of Olam HaBa so that every individual will know the opportunities that lie in store for him if he listens to the mitzvos of Hashem; or if he doesn’t do the mitzvos, chas v’sholom, what compensations he may relinquish?

It is explained that our avodas Hashem – service of Hashem – is not predicated on the assertion of being rewarded. Therefore, if a person would have the full realization and understanding of the essence of chayei olam haba—life in the next world -- it would be impossible for him to disregard the promised remuneration and to perform his service of Hashem with pure intentions.

The fact that we know about the reward of Olam HaBa, in general, does not contradict the possibility of reaching this level of true service of Hashem. It remains our obligation to strongly establish the middoh of avdus – loyal service of Hashem -- in ourselves, and to eliminate any ulterior motives. The simple acknowledgment of our debt to Hakodosh Boruch Hu for that all that He gives us, on a daily basis, will foster our subservience and commitment to Hashem.

The Bnai Yissoschor says that in his service of Hashem, a person should desire nothing more than to attain yiras shamayim through his avodah.

This is substantiated by an incident related in gemara (Brachos 22a). As R’ Zeira was weak and sat at the door of the bais hamedrash, he stated, “I will rise before the chachamim and receive schar”. The question is asked: Is it possible that R’ Zeira would perform a mitzvah for the sole purpose of being rewarded? The answer is given that the “reward” R’ Zeira was referring to is the one the Zohar (and Medrash Rabba Bamidbar) submits that “whoever stands for a talmid chacham merits yiras shamayim – the fear of Heaven.”

The Dubno Maggid offers a parable to define an individual who serves Hashem unconditionally.

An important official was traveling with his son, and he stopped off at the home of a wealthy person to spend the night. He was extended great kovod, good food, and a place for the servants and the horses. In the morning, he offered to pay asking, “How much do I owe you?” and the homeowner told him so many gold pieces.

The official paid his bill and forgot about the incident.

The next time when he went traveling he stayed at the home of another wealthy person who gave him the same royal treatment. The next morning when he offered to pay, the gentleman said, “What should I tell you? You don’t understand how honored I am that you chose to stay here. I thank you for allowing me the privilege to serve you. How could I have the audacity to ask you for money on top of that?”

The official was impressed and decided to reward him with a present several times the amount he would have paid. The wealthy man refused the gift and then accompanied him to his carriage.

The official always remembered this man, and every so often he would visit him again and give him nice presents and do different favors for him.