Ki Tavo 5771

In this week's parsha, Moshe continues to instruct the Israelites on how to behave when they enter (ki tavo) the Land of Israel. Moshe enumerates blessings and curses, and tells what will happen if his people fulfill the Torah, and if they do not. A reason for the curses is given: "All these curses will befall you…because you did not serve G-d, your G-d, with joy and with gladness of heart..."

Why is it that even when we fulfill Torah by performing mitzvot (commandments), if we lack this "extra" attribute of joy, we deserve such dire consequences?

The Maggid Mishneh explains that when we perform a mitzvah b'simcha (with joy), it proves that we understand that there is no greater happiness in this world than to serve our Creator, for the true purpose of creation is to serve Him. Simcha is the key factor in determining if we really are serving G-d. If we merely follow the laws and perform the mitzvot by rote and out of habit, without appreciating what we are doing, it can be said that we are not serving G-d at all, and therefore we deserve punishment. Simcha is the basic intention that must underlie avodah (service) of G-d.

As parents, we must show our children that we are happy to perform mitzvot, and that doing so, i.e., fulfilling the laws of Torah and living Jewishly, is meaningful to us and brings us joy. We cannot just go through the motions, without awareness and understanding. Further, we should be careful not to complain if we find that Torah laws are difficult to adhere to, lest our children adopt an attitude that Torah observance is a chore. Our children need to see that we have a relationship with G-d and that we perform mitzvot because we love, and are grateful, to G-d.

Published in the merit of a refua shlema (complete healing) for Nesha bat Freda Leah.