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Why does the Torah (תורה) attribute terrible punishments to not serving God with joy despite having everything? The shiur explores how human nature resists acknowledging favors to avoid feeling indebted. The mitzvah (מצוה) of Bikkurim teaches appreciation as the key to happiness and recognizing God's love.
The shiur opens with the Torah (תורה)'s warning in Parshas Ki Savo of terrible punishments that will befall the Jewish people "because we did not happily serve God even though we had everything." Rabbi Zweig poses fundamental questions: Why weren't we happy when we had everything? Why is lack of happiness such a severe sin warranting harsh punishment? And what does King Dovid mean when he says "goodness and kindness pursue me" - using language that suggests running away from good rather than pursuing it? The answer lies in understanding human psychology and our relationship with receiving favors. Rabbi Zweig explains that people have a deep psychological need to feel independent and avoid feeling indebted to others. When someone does us a favor, we feel beholden, which threatens our sense of independence. The human mind has developed ingenious ways to avoid this discomfort.
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Parshas Ki Savo - Bikkurim mitzvah
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