[9:1] We explained that the reward for fulfilling the mitzvos and observing the path of God laid out in the Bible and Talmud, is the World to Come, as it is written, "If you do this, you will have it good and will live long." (Deuteronomy 22:7). The punishment inflicted on the wicked who leave the path of the righteous is kareis (premature death), as it is written, "That person shall be utterly cut off spiritually and his sin shall remain upon him." (Numbers 15:31). In light of that, what is the meaning of statements found throughout the entire Torah implying that, if you keep the mitzvos, you will merit rewards in this world, and, if you do not keep the commandments, you will be punished in this world? Furthermore, these rewards and punishments, discussed in the Tanach, are worldly things, including abundance or famine, peace or war, supremacy over other nations, or persecution, living in Eretz Yisrael or living in exile, success in one's undertakings or ruin, and other points mentioned in the covenant of the Tochachah. (Leviticus, chapter 26 and Deuteronomy, chapter 28.).

In fact these statements are true. They have happened in the past, and they will happen in the future. When we fulfill the mitzvos of the Torah, we are entitled to the rewards of this world¹. On the other hand, if we transgress the commandments, the evils outlined in the Torah come to pass². But the rewards