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Why does Rabbi Tarfon say we're not obligated to complete the work but can't cease from it? The key is measuring ourselves by effort rather than achievement - when we validate ourselves through success relative to others, we create the foundation for lashon hara. This explains why mitzvos require enthusiasm and why women's Pesach (פסח) cleaning goes beyond halachic requirements.
This shiur explores the final two Mishnas of Pirkei Avos chapter 2, where Rabbi Tarfon presents what initially appears to be a message of despair: life is short, the work is enormous, we are lazy, and despite great rewards and divine pressure, we struggle to accomplish what we must. Rabbi Tarfon then provides the answer: 'Lo alecha hamelacha ligmor' - you are not obligated to complete the work, but neither can you cease from it. The core teaching is that we must measure ourselves by effort rather than success. When we validate ourselves through achievements relative to others, we create the foundation for lashon hara - cutting others down to feel better about ourselves. This leads to emptiness because success is always relative. True fulfillment comes from understanding that effort itself is the purpose, not merely a means to an end.
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Pirkei Avos 2:15-16
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