Pain V.S Reward

Driving through the industrial district brought back many memories of when I was a child. Watching the action on the docks, harbor and warehouses has always been a fascination. Coming from a family that has been involved in shipping since as far as i could remember, it is almost automatic that I love my job. However, after another long trip I backed the big rig towards the warehouse and thought “is all this hard work really worth it?

In this week's double parsha, we read about the number seven. Seven is famously known because shmitta and shabbos. Shmitta lasts for a year and during this time, we stop producing our fields and Shabbos lasts for one day, once a week. When I read this topic, it brought me back to the same question about working. Why do we do something so difficult with no immediate reward? As it says “on the seventh day Hashem rested”. After all the hard work, hashem got a reward. Maybe a reward for work is inevitable, we just don’t see it.

In life we spend every day working. We keep the mitzvos, even if they are difficult. The posuk says that “Hashem rested on the seventh day”. Shabbos was Hashem’s reward and it should also be ours. If we spend all week working, then shabbos is a peaceful time with our family and loved ones. Hashem promised that one who follows the commandment of Shmitta will be taken care of in abundance. All this pain will get paid off, but until then, we must stay strong. Join me during this shabbos as we increase in our Avodas Hashem and rejoice because our reward of seeing geulah is almost here.

Moshiach now

All the best

Good shabbos

Avrohom Y Ross