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What determines eternal worth - our accomplishments or our effort relative to ability? The shiur reveals through Koheles 9:9 and a Gemara (גמרא) in Avodah Zarah that the World to Come measures zechus (merit from personal growth) not achievements. A child with learning disabilities who maximizes their potential may reach higher spiritual levels than a gifted child who coasts on natural talent.
Rabbi Zweig analyzes Koheles 9:9 which states 'Whatever you have the ability to do, do' followed by the warning that there are no actions or wisdom in the grave. He initially struggled with Rashi (רש"י)'s seemingly obvious interpretation that one should do mitzvos while alive since they cannot be done after death. Through deep analysis, Rabbi Zweig reveals a profound insight about two different types of merit: accomplishments in this world versus personal growth for the World to Come. The shiur draws from a Gemara (גמרא) in Avodah Zarah 2b where world powers claim credit for their contributions to civilization - roads, healthcare, economy - arguing they enabled Jewish people to do more mitzvos. God responds 'You did it for yourself,' meaning while their accomplishments merit reward in this world, the World to Come measures only personal effort and character development, not results achieved.
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Koheles 9:9
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Why does Koheles compare death's suddenness to fish caught by small hooks? The shiur develops a Maharsha-based insight that humans have universal fragility regarding self-esteem since it cannot be built on divine gifts but only earned through genuine effort. This explains why Rabbi Akiva's students died for seemingly minor disrespect and why lashon hara causes disproportionate damage through small negative comments.
