D'var Torah: "See, I give before you today a blessing and a curse. The blessing emanates to you if you will observe the commandments of HaShem..." (Re'eh 11:26). Curiously, the Torah refers to the fulfillment of Mitzvot as "a blessing," not as a choice of good over evil. When a person carries out the will of an earthly king, the king rewards him. However, the reward does not improve the character of the person. In contrast, the holiness of the Mitzvah grants our reward as well as elevates our entire being. After a person does a Mitzvah, he is a different person than he was before.
A Mitzvah is rooted in Heaven, for HaShem commands us to fulfill His Mitzvot. When a person does a Mitzvah, the Light of HaShem illuminates upon him. Not only does the Blessing of the Mitzvah purify and sanctify our soul, but it also purifies and sanctifies our body.
Application: Reflect on the blessing that we say before performing a Mitzvah: "Blessed are You, HaShem, King of the universe, Who sanctifies with His commandments." When you do a Mitzvah, experience the holiness of HaShem elevating and purifying your being. After completing the Mitzvah, consider yourself a new creation.
