Parshas Re'ei

This week's parsha begins: "Re'ei anochi nosein lifneichem hayom bracha uklala." The Torah outlines the choice a person has between the blessings he will receive for observing the mitzvos, and the curses that can Heaven forbid befall a person if he does not. However, it is interesting to note that there is a discrepancy between the two verses: whereas the pasuk dealing with the curses uses the conventional lashon of "im lo sishme'u", the pasuk dealing with the blessings uses the lashon of "ASHER tishme'u", abandoning the usual conditional word "im". What is the reason for this deviation from the norm?

Perhaps we can answer that it is because the Torah is trying to tell us something more than just the cause-and-effect of mitzvah observance resulting in blessing. Rather, the Torah is hinting to us by using the word "asher" that mitzvah observance is actually a reward in and of itself. A person must always remember that it is a privilege to serve Hashem, a gift bestowed upon us like no other. We are fortunate that we are the am ha'nivchar, that we have the opportunity to serve Hakadosh Baruch Hu and to glorify his name.

That is why the pasuk says "Es habracha asher tishme'u el mitzvos Hashem Elokeichem" - in the literal sense, this can be interpreted as "the blessing IS that you will observe the mitzvos of Hashem". By following the Torah, a person enjoys a more fulfilling and enriched lifestyle. He merits the beauty and that only Shabbos can bring. He merits the fulfillment that can only come from Torah study. And he merits the enjoyment that only a spiritual person can feel.