In a certain city lived the owner of a fabric mill who had successfully developed a new type of fabric. It was a remarkable fabric, strong, soft to the touch and appealing to the eye.
The fabric became very popular, and many people gathered outside his mill to buy it. It became so popular, that he was simply unable to manufacture enough of the fabric to meet the overwhelming demand.
While there were many individuals who actually preferred their old clothes, which were still in excellent condition, they nevertheless, purchased the new fabric and had clothing sewn from it, as they wanted to keep up with the styles.
One who observed a group of people wearing clothing made from the new fabric, would have no way of knowing which of them truly enjoys wearing the clothing and which of them is wearing those clothes just to be fashionable.
However, there is one way to discern a weaver’s true motives. If the person meets the inventor and makes an effort to thank him for his hard work and achievement, going so far as to tell him how pleased they are with the fabric, it is an indication that the person is truly pleased.
Some will greet the inventor with a bad attitude and treat him rather poorly. Given the opportunity, they will even go so far as to blame him over the fact that he caused them to spend a great deal of money. Such individuals are wearing the fabric only to appear fashionable.
One can distinguish between the Divine service of various individuals, in the very same way. There are those who perform the mitzvos (religious duties) out of deep faith and love for the Creator of All. Then there are those who perform the mitzvos by rote, simply for the sake of discharging an obligation. The only way to discern between them is by observing the manner in which they carry out the mitzvos. One who fulfills them with joy and excitement and tries to be as meticulous as possible, falls under the category of one who truly loves the Holy One, blessed be He. But if not…
May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)
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Tell it to your children, and let your children tell it to their children, and their children to the next generation. (Joel 1:3)