This week's parashiyot allude to many lessons regarding the inherent value of  effort exerted in order to accomplish a said goal. Whether one's goal is something worldly in nature or relates to that which is more spiritual; the Torah premise about one's intention and effort are the same.  

Providing someone an interest free loan is one of the highest forms of tzedakah . A loan, as opposed to a gift, shows the recipient that you have confidence in their ability to work and earn the money to repay that loan, hence preserving their sense of dignity.  This concept is understandable, but why the prohibition against charging interest? Doesn't a person have a right to earn at least the minimal interest that his or her money may have yielded had it been sitting in a bank?

People ascribe greater value to things they've earned.  Grit and hard work help one raise their self-esteem and sense of pride. The Ramba"n explains that earning money from someone through interest represents a form of reward that is achieved through little effort and therefore forbidden. On the other hand, a lender providing another person the opportunity to work and exert the personal effort necessary in order to earn money to repay a loan is in fact giving the borrower a holy gift.

This same positive Torah value attributed to toil and work in earning a reward is seen in the words of אם בחקתי תלכו -- "when you follow my laws" discussing the mitzvah  to learn Torah.  Rashi infers: שתהיו עמלים בתורה -- "that you should exert much energy when learning Torah." Beyond observance of mitzvot, a person needs to immerse oneself with the utmost dedication in the learning process . For Torah learning to be most meaningful, and to see its impact result in lifelong intrinsic values, it must come through personal hard work. Torah teaches us that even spiritual revenue must be earned by investing energy.

A famous Midrash tells us that when Avraham arrived in Canaan he saw people working hard in their fields and he declared: "I wish this is where I receive my portion." Avraham prescribes his place in  the world to one that fosters the value of hard work and glory that said effort brings.  Similarly, G-d wishes that humankind, as His partner in creation, is constantly working and striving to achieve its reward. Work and investment of time, energy and personal resources, open new vistas and opportunities. G-d wants us to better the world, both physically and spiritually, and such advancement comes through great effort and hard work.  May we all embrace the opportunities to encourage our children to work hard and welcome challenge in their lives. It is from their grit and effort that they will reap the greatest Divine rewards.