What if I'm not in the mood to do a mitzvah? Is it better to do less of the obligations but with a fuller heart, or to fulfill them with an un-enthusiastic heart?
The Answer:
Judaism views life as a mission: we are here to make this world a better place through our actions. We Jews don't allow ourselves the luxury of "waiting until I can do it for the right reasons," which is actually a subtle form of selfishness—albeit a more spiritual expression of selfishness than the standard version.
There was once a wealthy man who was known for his philanthropy and kindness. No beggar left his home hungry and without a generous donation. Nevertheless, this man was plagued by inner turmoil. He felt that his charity lacked "truth"; his kindness was more the product of ulterior, subtly selfish, motives.
He traveled to his Rebbe, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi,the founder of Chabad Chassidism, and poured out his spiritually troubled heart. "Is it all worth it," he asked, "if my mitzva is missing the most fundamental ingredient of truth?"
Rabbi Schneur Zalman responded: "But the hungry man you've fed is 'truly' not hungry now!"
On the other hand, it is certainly a worthy and important goal to do things "with all our heart," as we say in the Shema. But when facing the choice between doing something without feeling or not doing it at all—just do it!
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