Learning Torah for the Right Reasons: Love vs. Reward

Full Summary

Rabbi Zweig analyzes Pirkei Avos 4:5, which states that one should not use Torah (תורה) as a crown for self-aggrandizement or as a spade for financial gain. He addresses the fundamental question: if the Torah itself promises wealth and honor as benefits of study, why is it forbidden to learn for these purposes? The shiur explores a Talmudic passage from Nedarim 62a that instructs us to love God rather than study for recognition, yet concludes that 'in the end, honor will come.' Rabbi Zweig connects this to Parshas Lech Lecha, where God's command to Avraham included promises of family, fortune, and fame. He argues that the real test wasn't whether Avraham would go for these rewards, but whether he understood that God's commandments are inherently good for us. The central thesis is that Torah and mitzvos are not sacrifices we make to earn divine rewards, but rather acts that are genuinely beneficial for our spiritual, emotional, and physical wellbeing. The Hebrew word 'korban' doesn't mean sacrifice but rather 'drawing close' to God. Rabbi Zweig distinguishes between a relationship of manipulation (where someone controls us through rewards despite asking us to do harmful things) versus true love (where we're asked to do things that are genuinely good for us). He applies this principle to marriage relationships and all human interactions. The Torah's benefits - including honor and wealth - come naturally from the inherent goodness of Torah study itself, not as external rewards for enduring something harmful. This understanding transforms our approach to mitzvos from reluctant compliance to enthusiastic participation, knowing that everything God asks is ultimately for our benefit and growth as human beings.