Machshavot HaLev - Yeshivat Lev HaTorah

38
בלה תובשחמ
precious to him because he has toiled over it.
Rav Aharon explains why Rashi comments on a seemingly obvious statement of
Rav Kahana. Rashi is bothered by how it is logical that anyone would prefer his
friend not sell his produce and keep his nearly spoiled product. Rashi emphasizes
that even if this produce is nearly rotten, it is still precious to the one who has
toiled over it. Rashi is telling us that there are two types of titles; a legal title and
a psychological title. It is true that the legal title would allow his friend to sell this
produce for something better or at least for some money, but the psychological
title does not allow him to do so. The psychological title recognizes the great
efforts the owner expended on this produce. The pleasure in the final product of
one’s toil is worth far more than the money one can receive in exchange for that
product.
We can now appreciate why Avraham insisted on purchasing the land for 40,000
regular shekels. It is an undisputed fact that Hashem had legally promised
Avraham the land of Israel and therefore Avraham had a legal title over all parts
of the Holy Land. Avraham realized that with a legal title alone his descendents
might be willing to relinquish parts of the land. However, with a psychological
title attached to this land, forfeiting even a small piece would be more difficult.
We must recognize that Hashem has not only promised us the land of Israel but
our ancestors have toiled over it for generations, which makes it all the more
precious to us.
This message applies not only to the land of Israel but for all areas of Judaism. Our
commitment to Torah and mitzvos must stem from our legal / halachic obligation
to follow these principles and live the life of a Torah Jew, but we must also be
psychologically attached to the holy Torah and its mitzvos. If we realize how
much our ancestors have toiled on our behalf to keep Torah and mitzvos alive we
will surely not forsake it even for a moment.
In the final section of the Talmud Ta’anis (31a) Ulla Bira’ah says in the name of R’
Eliezer that in the end of days the Almightily will form a circle for the tzadikim
with Hashem in the center in Gan Eden. Every one of these tzadikim will lift
up his finger and point to the Creator (reaffirming His sovereignty). The Ben
Ish Chai comments that the pointed finger is lifted and the righteous people