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If God promised Avrohom family, fortune, and fame for leaving his homeland, how is this a test? The phrase 'lech lecha' reveals that mitzvos aren't sacrifices to appease God in exchange for rewards, but actions genuinely beneficial to us. This yesod reframes Torah (תורה) study from burdensome obligation to opportunity for authentic human flourishing.
This shiur begins with Pirkei Avos 4:5, where Rabbi Tzadok teaches that one should not use Torah (תורה) as a crown for self-aggrandizement or as a spade to make money. The Talmud (תלמוד) in Nedarim 62a adds that one should study from love of God, not for recognition as wise or scholarly, yet concludes 'sof hakavod lavo' - ultimately honor will come. This creates an apparent contradiction that Rabbi Zweig addresses through the lens of Parshas Lech Lecha. The central question emerges: if God promises Avrohom family, fortune, and fame for leaving his homeland, how is this a test? Anyone would accept such an offer. Rabbi Zweig explains that the test lies in understanding the phrase 'Lech Lecha' - go for yourself, meaning for your own benefit. Rashi (רש"י) interprets this as 'for your good and benefit,' suggesting God wasn't testing whether Avrohom would obey despite personal cost, but whether he understood that divine commandments are inherently beneficial to the person performing them.
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Pirkei Avos 4:5, Nedarim 62a
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