The Yismach Yisroel goes on to offer guidance regarding how one can ensure that his commitment is long-lasting. He says that the way to do this is to remain upbeat and joyous to have the opportunity to serve Hashem, to get close to Him, and to have our past sins forgiven. We should be overjoyed to know that by just accepting to do good, He allows us to start anew and to become a pure, new being.
He quotes the words of the Rambam (Hilchos Teshuva 7:6) that although one sinned in the past, if he accepts to do teshuva then ‘today he is beloved, cherished and close to the Beloved.’ This is also seen from the Gemara (Kiddushin 49B) that says: ‘If a man marries a lady on the condition that he is a complete tzadik, the marriage is binding even if he is a rasha because we assume that he had thoughts of teshuva.’ This seems to be a clear proof that the moment one commits to follow the ways of Hashem, he is considered a complete tzadik. Knowing this should make a person very happy, and this joy should encourage him to keep up his commitment.
The Parshah begins with the words ‘v’haya eikev tishma’un’. Chazal say (Bereishis Rabbah 42:4) that the word ‘v’haya’ always connotes joy. Thus, the pasuk is saying that one should be happy to be able to listen to Hashem and to commit to serve Him as best as he can. In this merit, he will be able to do all the mitzvos and Hashem will ‘protect His covenant’ and grant him Divine protection and kindness.
