“You shall have a full and honest weight, [and] a full and honest ephah measure, in order that your days will be prolonged on the land which Hashem, your God, gives you. For whoever does these things [deceptive measurement], whoever perpetrates such injustice, is an abomination to God, your God”

(Devarim 25:15-16)

“The crime of false weights and measures is so abominable because it takes obvious premeditation to alter the scales, and to decide, each and every day, to open up your shop with false weights, every sale a small act of theft. It is this unrepentant, ongoing engagement in crime that warrants the Torah’s severe condemnation.

We know that the reward for good deeds is greater than the punishment of bad ones. So if such is the condemnation of a persistent evil practice, one can imagine the effusive praise for one continually engaged in Mitzvos!

It’s for this reason that when we seek to make positive changes in our life, it’s so important to undertake a small, repeating commitment. This is known in Jewish tradition as a ‘Kabola,’ a pledge. To make real change in your life, commit to a positive practice, and pledge to do it every day.

As Rosh Hashana approaches, we look to make lasting changes in our lives. Let’s avoid the end of the year rush and make a small daily pledge. It amounts to a daily decision to do a special Mitzvah, and the benefits that accrue will bring overwhelming rewards.”