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שבת בלק
In this week's Perasha, the wicked Bilaam is forced to acknowledge the beauty of the Jewish people. One of his observations is that "toil is not seen by Jews" - they don't look tired and worn out from hard work. It would appear that he is referring to the fact that the Jewish People do not work too hard to serve Hashem. This, however, would contradict what the Torah said previously in Perashat Behukotai where we are instructed to follow the Torah's statutes. Rashi explains that the Torah is referring to the obligation to "toil in Torah". The commentaries explain that "toiling in Torah" means that a Jew must learn Torah and serve Hashem with every ounce of strength that he has. If so, why is "no toil is seen by Jews" a praiseworthy statement? To the contrary it would seem that they are shirking their responsibility?
Answers Rabbi Simha Sheps zatzal, it is true, we must toil and struggle and push ourselves to the limit in our service of Hashem; nonetheless, true service energizes a person rather than saps his strength. A Jew who serves Hashem must do so with enthusiasm and simha. Every page of gemara and every penny given to zedaka is a source of great joy - and great energy!
The Magid MeDubner, says that this can be likened to a porter who huffs and puffs as he brings a man's luggage up to his hotel room. He's sweating profusely as he knocks on the guest's door. The guest takes one look at the porter and instantly realizes that he brought up the wrong luggage. How did he know? Because as a diamond merchant, he knows that his merchandise is very light. The fact that the porter is sweating so profusely is proof that he took the wrong luggage! Similarly, the Nabi Yeshayahu tells the Bene Yisrael that if their work in Torah and Misvot is too hard, it means they are doing it wrong.
This concludes the Rav, is the praise of Bilaam. Yes, of course, they are working hard, toiling in Torah and mizsvot, but due to their zest and joy of true service of Hashem, it doesn't appear to be difficult.
שבת שלום
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