Mesilas Yesharim, Perek 7 Part 2/2
- Shiur 13 of 31 in Mesilas Yesharim
Zerizus to Complete the Mitzvah
AI summary (may contain mistakes)
How does a person serve Hashem with fire when he does not feel it? Zerizus after starting a mitzvah means not delaying its completion. Mesilas Yesharim teaches that zerizus grows out of an inner fire, and that acting with zerizus can also kindle that fire, because outward movement wakens the inside. Acting this way to awaken oneself is a tool, not faking.
Key points
- Credit for a mitzvah goes to whoever completes it, as with Yosef HaTzaddik's burial.
- Rashi asks only why Lavan ran, and answers that he thought there was money.
- Mesilas Yesharim teaches that outward movement wakens the feeling inside.
- Acting excited in order to awaken oneself is using a tool, not faking.
- Mesilas Yesharim stresses simcha in avodah, and serving Hashem is a privilege like serving a king.