Parshat Re'eh - Love What You Do
by Rabbi Lobel

(Deuteronomy; Chapter 12, Verse 20) "When G-d, our Lord, will broaden our boundary..." Rashi on the verse explains that this verse is in reference to us living comfortably in our land.

The Medrash Rabba (4:8) relates an actual episode with regard to meriting an affluent life: 'Rebbe Elazar and Rebbe Yehoshua traveled to Antuchia to collect funds for the purpose of supporting those who uphold the Torah. There was an individual by the name of Abba Yudan who was known to always give our sages proper contributions.

Abba Yudan became poor. When the Rabbis came, Abba Yudan avoided appearing in public for two days. His wife asked him how come he hadn't been to the market. Abba Yudan responded that he had nothing to give and was embarrassed. Abba Yudan's wife, who loved to do Mitzvohs (G-d's commandments), told her husband to sell half of their last field and give it to Rebbe Elazar and Rebbe Yehoshua. Abba Yudan did so and asked the Rabbis to pray for his success.

Abba Yudan, with only half a field remaining, plowed it and found a mine of precious stones. Abba Yudan became richer than ever before. Abba Yudan was blessed with the verse, "when G-d, our Lord, will broaden our boundary."

The moral of the story is not so much, "do the right thing and hope to merit a Disney ending." Abba Yudan's wife loved to do Mitvohs and was able to figure a way. That desire influenced her husband to donate money when it would seem impossible. Love creates possibilities and avenues never foreseen. If we build up that love towards the service of G-d's commandments, we might live happily ever after.