Tuesday, September 16, 2008

An Exemplary Mitzvah By Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser

That is the reason why R’ Chanina ben Tradyon asked, “Where do I stand in regard to olam haba?” Similarly, that is the rationale for the response given by R’ Yosi, “Were you ever in a challenging situation?” The implication was, “Did you ever carry out an exemplary mitzvah, with pure intent and no ulterior motive?”

R’ Chanina understood that his act of harbotzas Torah in public did not necessarily assure him the reward of olam haba. There was the possibility, however small, that he might not have done it totally l’shem shamayim. Perhaps there was an underlying motive, seeking honor and respect, that propelled his actions. The basic principle is that the mitzvos and maasim tovim that an individual does in the public eye may have an ulterior motive. If so, the person cannot be worthy of olam haba and cannot attain merit for the eternal world.

However, the maaseh which is done privately, which is undisclosed to the public, is the type of mitzvah that merits one a share in olam haba. Therefore, when R’ Chanina referred to his personal Purim money that had become combined with the general tzedakah fund for the poor, and yet he gave all the money to tzedakah, it was evident that the act was done with no ulterior motive and with no possible hope for honor.

Albeit the performance of this deed was a relatively small maaseh – it didn’t even involve a lot of money – the mitzvah had been executed b’shleimus: its kavanah (intent) was totally l’shem shamayim, for the sake of Heaven.

So precise were the holy Tannaim when they scrutinized the performance of their deeds and assessed the honesty and morality of their maasim. We too must be aware of the intensity of the judgment that is exercised upon Klal Yisroel in these special days of Elul, before the Yomim Noraim. May we all merit a shanah tovah umesukah.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

I love the feeling, that every morning I'll find some precious words on this site.

Anonymous said...

Maase, such nice word for grate work, we are learning from You how to help and to do

Anonymous said...

To repeat what is a value, that's our obligation and you are doing that so often

Anonymous said...

The judgement is dengerose we might think to competent for it, but that is the matter You are teaching us not to do and to be carefully.

Anonymous said...

Hope one day You will be counted and quoted by many more people than today, even You are well known all over the world ! Grate personality The Rabbi !