One who serves Hashem with veracity and devotion does not experience this worship as a burden. To wear the yoke of Torah Judaism is an honor, a distinction, and a merit. It is like wearing a priceless gold crown, bedecked with the most precious jewels. Such a diadem is theoretically “weightless” because of its inestimatable value and the love the wearer feels for it. On the other hand, the Torah observance of some individuals is a result of external pressure. Some people have never had the opportunity to study the profundities of Torah or to reflect upon the beauty of a Torah way of life. Regrettably, these individuals may view this “yoke” as a burden. This is the pasuk’s message: If you have grown weary of Me, O’ Yisrael, this is surely a sign that you do not call to Me.
In his inimitable manner, the Dubno Maggid uses a parable to lend greater meaning to this idea. Two salesmen, one representing a steel mill and the other representing a jewelry firm, were travelling together. Each carried with him samples of his wares. The one who was carrying steel samples had a large container with wheels, since it could not be lifted easily. In contrast, the salesman carrying jewelry carried a small pouch filled with jewels. The porter who was removing the packages from the train inadvertently mixed up the two bags. He arrived at the jeweler’s place completely winded and sweating profusely, expecting a large tip for “shlepping” his heavy suitcase. The jeweler looked at him incredulously and exclaimed, “You are exhausted from carrying my suitcase. This is impossible, for my “suitcase” is not more than a small, lightweight pouch. You must have the wrong bag!”
This the pasuk’s message. If we complain that the mitzvos are too “heavy,” then we have been doing something wrong.
