בס"ד
In the special Haftarah that we
read for Shabbos Hagadol we hear the prophet Malachi tell of the messianic era.
After centuries and millennia of toil – devoted Yidden who toiled,
guided only by their unwavering faith will finally be recognized and rewarded.
Obviously, their reward will be commensurate with their efforts and will be granted
on several levels. One distinction that will be made involves those who “serve
Hashem and those who do not serve Him” [Malachi 3:18]
The Gemara [Chagiga 9b] teaches
us that both of the people referred to in the passuk have been righteous, that
is why they receive divine rewards. The harsh condemnation of an incomplete
tzaddik as “one who does not serve Him” is solely in reference to that tzaddik’s
lack of total dedication. How is this lack of totality expressed ? He has only
reviewed his learning 100 times and not 101.
An idea that explains this seemingly
harsh statement is an analysis of motives. What drives us to achieve and excel
in our Avodas Hashem ? Sometimes it is nothing more than a type A
personality that looks to overachieve in everything. While every effort spent in
divine service deserves recognition, there is a special place reserved to reward
those that toil purely for the sake of Heaven. There is nothing
to gain (qualitatively) from reviewing one’s learning that extra hundred and
first time, yet one whose avodah is purely lishma will do it,
while those who only seek to excel will not.
This Pesach we will all perform
many, many acts of avodah – the cleaning, cooking and even learning to
insure that we will have a memorable Pesach. Lest an impure thought creep into
our motives – lest we be driven by a mundane desire to just “do it right” – let
us remember the admonishing words of Malachi. Even when there will be ‘no
difference’ and even when all is already done – let us exert our best efforts
in recognition of the true reason. We were once slaves to Pharaoh in Egypt –
and now, gloriously so, we are slaves to the Almighty.
Hatzlacha !!
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