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Why does the Torah (תורה) repeatedly command us to keep mitzvos fresh 'as if commanded today' - doesn't this seem artificial? The key insight redefines 'metzavecha' not as burdens imposed but as divine appointments, where God elevates us to run His world. Remembering this honor daily generates natural enthusiasm for mitzvah (מצוה) observance.
Rabbi Zweig addresses a question that has bothered him for over 30 years regarding three similar verses in the Torah (תורה) that speak of keeping mitzvos fresh "as if commanded today" (Parshas Vaeschanan, Eikev, and Ki Savo). The traditional understanding suggests we should "make believe" the mitzvos are new each day, which seems artificial and forced. The key insight comes from redefining the word "metzavecha" (commands you). Rather than viewing mitzvos as burdens or commands that naturally provoke resistance, Rabbi Zweig explains that Onkelos translates this as "pakdach" - meaning appointment or being put in charge. A mitzvah (מצוה) is not a burden imposed upon us, but rather an elevation - God appointing us to run the world through the Torah's system.
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Parshas Ki Savo 26:16, Parshas Vaeschanan 6:6, Parshas Eikev 11:13
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Why does the Torah call us 'Am Naval' (ungrateful nation) precisely because we received the Torah? The shiur argues that receiving Torah creates responsibility to serve, not entitlement to be served. When Torah learning becomes a license for demanding support rather than giving back through teaching or community service, it transforms the greatest gift into the source of spiritual corruption.
