Thought for the Week:

Our obedience to God does not deserve any special accolades. It is what we were created to do. Rabbi Yochanon ben Zachai said, "If you have learned much Torah, do not claim credit for yourself, because for such a purpose you were created." (m.Avot 2:8)

Commentary:

Moses warned Israel against thinking that their own righteousness merited their success. "Do not say in your heart when the LORD your God has driven them out before you, 'Because of my righteousness the LORD has brought me in to possess this land...' It is not for your righteousness or for the uprightness of your heart that you are going to possess their land, but...in order to confirm the oath which the LORD swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob." (Deuteronomy 9:4-5)

We would do well to take the same warning. Though there are always blessings for o…