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Should we serve Hashem (ה׳) for reward or without expectation of reward? The shiur explores how this seeming contradiction resolves when we understand that mitzvos must have intrinsic value beyond their rewards. True avoda creates genuine deveikus with Hashem, making subsequent reward deserved rather than unearned charity.
This shiur addresses a fundamental question in Jewish thought: should we serve Hashem (ה׳) for reward (schar) or without expectation of reward? Rabbi Yeshaya Greenberg ZT"L begins by citing the Ramchal's concept that Hashem created the world to bestow goodness upon us, but this goodness must be earned through our service (avoda) to avoid 'nehama d'chisufa' (bread of embarrassment). This creates a paradox: if Hashem's ultimate purpose is to reward us, why shouldn't we serve Him explicitly for that reward? The shiur extensively analyzes Rav Chaim Volozhiner's answer from Nefesh HaChaim. Rav Chaim distinguishes between serving for reward because we want the reward (which is selfish) versus serving for reward because Hashem wants to give us reward (which fulfills His will). True avoda means enabling Hashem to fulfill His desire to bestow goodness upon us. However, to serve with this pure intention, one must be willing to give up their reward if that would better serve Hashem's will.
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Pirkei Avos 1:3 - al tehei k'avadim hameshamshim al menas lekabel pras
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