יום ב Date: 12 Iyar, 5774 (5/12/14) – RoshHashana#4 {Eliezer}

INSIDES COUNT

[4a top] Gemarah: If a Jew acts from a selfish motivation, he is still considered a righteous person (because he still inherently wants to do Mitzvos anyway). Non-Jews who acts purely out of selfishness, would not be rewarded as such. King Darius really was selfish (and wanted the Temple built so the Jews could pray on his behalf) even though it appeared that he was benevolent.

E’s Lesson: Even if a Jew has ulterior motives, these do not disqualify his Mitzvos. This is because even if his/her wish does not come true, he would never regret performing the good deed. This is proof to the real deep intentions that are fostered inside each of us. All we have to do is stop letting our cloudy misguided outer self block the way from our inner light shining out.