These are the words (Deut. 1:1)
The Midrash relates that G-d says of the Jewish people: "My children are like the honeybee--all that they toil to produce belongs to their keeper. The same way, all the mitzvot and good deeds performed by My children are done for the sake of their Father in Heaven." We learn a spiritual lesson from the bee as well. A honeybee does not think of itself when it produces its honey; it does so only because of the wishes of its Creator. The same should apply to us as well. "I have only been created to serve my Master," the Talmud states. (Lubavitcher Rebbe)
How can I by myself alone bear your trouble, and your burden, and your strife? (Deut. 1:12)
Rashi comments: "And your burden"--this teaches that the Children of Israel were apikorsim (skeptics and heretics). Rabbi Nachman of Breslov used to say: The heaviest burden a man can endure is that of skepticism. The heart of the true believer is much lighter than that of the heretic, who is always weighed down by the yoke of his doubts.
