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Why does Rashi (רש"י) tell us to serve God purely out of love, then immediately add that we'll be rewarded? This seems contradictory. The answer reveals that healthy love relationships require knowing you're with someone whose agenda is your wellbeing — not for motivation, but to avoid abusive dynamics.
The shiur explores a fundamental question in the nature of serving Hashem (ה׳), based on Rashi (רש"י)'s commentary on Parshas Eikev. The Torah (תורה) commands us to love Hashem and serve Him with our whole heart and soul. Rashi explains that loving Hashem means serving without ulterior motives — not for wealth, honor, or reward, but purely out of love. However, Rashi immediately concludes with "in the end, you'll get your honor," which seems to undermine the entire message about pure motivation. Rabbi Zweig resolves this apparent contradiction by examining the nature of healthy relationships. He draws on Rashi's commentary on the Aseres Hadibros, where idolatry is defined as serving gods who are "estranged" from their worshippers — gods who ignore their prayers entirely. This raises a question: if idols don't respond to their worshippers, what was the attraction of avodah zarah throughout history?
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Parshas Eikev - Devarim 11:13
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Why didn't Noach daven for his generation while Avrohom advocated for Sedom? Noach viewed each person as an independent island responsible only for their own teshuvah. Avrohom understood that all humanity is interconnected through shared perspective and values, making prayer for others both possible and necessary.
