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Why does saying Ashrei three times daily guarantee a share in the World to Come? The shiur builds on the Vilna Gaon's insight that Ashrei uniquely expresses Hashem (ה׳)'s love — feeding all creation out of pure love, not obligation. This recognition awakens our reciprocal love through mitzvos kalot, which test whether we serve from love or mere duty.
The shiur begins with the Gemara (גמרא) in Brachos stating that one who recites Ashrei three times daily is assured of a share in the World to Come. The Gemara explains this is because Ashrei contains both the aleph-beit sequence and mentions that Hashem (ה׳) feeds all creation (posech es yodecha). The Vilna Gaon asks why Tehillim 111, which also has both elements, doesn't provide the same assurance. He answers that Ashrei says Hashem feeds 'all living things' (lechol chai), while Tehillim 111 only mentions feeding 'those who fear Him' (l'yireiav). Rabbi Zweig explores what makes this distinction so significant. The key insight is understanding the nature of divine love versus obligation. When Hashem created us, He was technically obligated to provide basic sustenance — just as one who creates something must maintain it. However, the fact that Hashem provides satisfaction and pleasure in eating (vesavta) beyond mere survival demonstrates pure love. Ashrei's emphasis on feeding 'all creation' — even those who don't serve Him — reveals that Hashem's entire agenda in creation is purely for our benefit, not His own.
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Parshas Vaeschanan
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