Because you did not serve Hashem, your G-d, with happiness... (Devarim 28:47)
After citing several atrocities, the Torah provides a reason why these calamities will befall Am Yisrael: “Because you did not serve Hashem, your G-d, with happiness and with gladness of heart.” Is it possible that we are punished so severely because we did not serve Hashem joyfully? If one fulfills all 613 mitzvos, but without a smile, is he deserving of such harsh punishment?
The Shalheves Yosef suggests as follows. Two individuals can perform the same act, yet it can be perceived totally differently. The Gemara (Kiddushin 31a) explains that one person might do seemingly great things for his parents but get punished for doing so, and someone else might seemingly disrespect his parents but obtain a great reward. The difference is in how they show honor to their parents. If it was done regretfully, with a sour face and a grunt, it is meaningless and not appreciated by the parent. However, if even the slightest act is performed with love, affection, and a bright smile, it is greatly appreciated. The same applies to how we serve Hashem. If we perform mitzvos out of obligation and without a feeling of excitement and happiness to worship Hashem, the performance of that mitzvah is meaningless. It is like a body without a soul (a guf without a neshama).
We must take great care in understanding and concentrating when performing mitzvos so that through our behavior, we can illustrate our appreciation of being able to fulfill the will of Hashem.
The Torah Temima, in his commentary, Tosefes Berakha, agrees that worshipping Hashem without joy cannot justify such harsh measures. He explains that the passuk means something else entirely. It’s not, “You didn’t serve Hashem joyfully,” but “You didn’t serve Hashem – and were happy about it.” That was the transgression of the Jews in Persia during the story of Purim. The Jewish community participated in the feast of the king, where the vessels of the Bais Hamikdash were used, and they enjoyed themselves. The tragedies of the tokhaha came upon us not just because we succumbed to our desires and transgressed the precepts of the Torah, but because we enjoyed it and were happy that we violated the Torah. That is more troubling to Hashem. When we falter because it is difficult for us to refrain, and we feel bad about it, we are more easily forgiven. When we are proud of our violations of the Torah, the ramifications are severe.
Together, these two interpretations instruct us not to enjoy sin and to appreciate and fulfill each and every mitzvah with excitement. As the Yamim Noraim approach, it is a time to strengthen our connection to G-d. To enhance our tefillos and study of Torah, and to perform mitzvos and acts of chessed wholeheartedly and enthusiastically. To experience “simchah gedolah lehiyot b’mitzvah tamid!”
RABBI NACHMAN WINKLER
RABBI SHOLOM ROSNER
