By means of being nitpal l’osei mitzvah - taking part in a Mitzvah endeavor, you can achieve the greatest of merit. Zechus harabim means benefiting the public spiritually and it’s one of the greatest things that can be done.
I’ll quote to you what the Chovos Halevavos says of this great deed of helping bring the public back to Judaism, back to avodas Hashem.
He says like this: “No matter how perfect you are in all the forms of shleimus, in every kind of perfection, it is as nothing compared to the perfection that comes from causing the multitude to become virtuous.” And he explains that it’s because all of their subsequent good deeds are credited to your account. Zechus harabim pays off very well in the World to Come!
But you think “What can I do already? I’m a simple Jew in Flatbush; I don’t have influence I don’t have money.” But we’re learning tonight that by looking to join others who are performing good things there’s always something you can do.
There are ways and means of doing good things, only that you have to have an interest in it. You have to be interested in wanting to join in.
Now if you do that, so you’ve joined in to the great project of the Am Yisroel of trying to bring back our lost brothers. So, when you hear about good things being done so you think, “Ah! It’s a very good thing.” You have to express happiness about it. Think, “Yes, I’m full of simcha that they did it.”
Of course, if you can send five dollars, or a bigger contribution, even better. And Hakodosh Boruch Hu gives you credit for joining in with them.
Reprinted from an email of Toras Avigdor, based on the teachings of Rav Avigdor Miller, zt”l. Adapted from (Parshas Bamidbar 5784)
