Vidui even without Teshuvah might not be sincere, nevertheless, it is not worthless, since it will ultimately lead to complete Teshuvah
Three function of verbal expressions (Vidui) regarding Teshuvah:
- Outward express brings out the feelings of the heart and thoughts of the person
- Causes an extra push in the person in the midst of the process of Teshuvah
- Reminder (embarrassment) of past deeds triggers Teshuvah (due to the dichotomy between speech & the heart)
והתודו את עונם כו ,מ כזב
One can serve with limits (motives); however, if one removes the ulterior motives, one can serve without limits
Ordinarily one does not exceed one-fifth of one’s financial worth for the Mitzvah of Tzedekah; but to save a life (whether physical or spiritual), no limit exists
מכל אשר לו כז ,כח כזג
The future Geulah comes due to the bris (and not due to their merit) between G-d and the Avos (themselves), whether we (the children) are worthy or not
בריתי יעקב כו ,מב לבא
Our service of G-d combines two (seemingly) conflicting concepts
- Kabolas Ol – acceptance of Mitzvos since commanded by the King without need for understanding
- G-d prompts us to strive to understand His Commandments so we can serve with full pleasure and simchah
Necessity to understand (whatever possible of a Chok
And, conversely, one needs to realize the superrational portion of a Mishpat
והיה הוא ותמורתו יהי' קודש כז, לג לבב
In time of Moshiach no distinction to exist between physical items and their spiritual sources
Stress on physical rewards in this Parsha emphasizes that the rewards are a direct consequence of our actions, and they happen to our physical and spiritual lives
Physical rewards express the desirability of Torah and Mitzvos that effuses blessings also to our physical lives
ונתתי גשמיכם בעתם כו, ד לז
