Q&A: Observing Commandments Because of Reward and Punishment, or Observing Commandments for Their Own Sake?
Observing Commandments Because of Reward and Punishment, or Observing Commandments for Their Own Sake?
Question
Hello Rabbi,
I read the trilogy, in which it is important to you that commandments be observed for their own sake, and not for any other purpose. I wanted to ask: how does that fit with the concept of a system of reward? How do you understand the High Holy Days—what are we praying for? After all, you do not observe commandments because of the system of reward and punishment.
Answer
This question is a collection of words whose meaning I have not managed to grasp.
What connection is there between the question of whether one receives reward and the question of whether one should perform commandments because of the reward? See Maimonides, at the beginning of chapter 10 of the Laws of Repentance, where he addresses precisely this point. And what connection is there between the reason one performs commandments and the question of whether to pray in order to receive good reward? And in general, where in the High Holy Days are you praying about reward?
By the way, in the trilogy I commented on the meaning of those days in light of my views.