Free Gift From G-D

This discourse was delivered by the Rebbe on Shabbat Parshat Vaetchanan, 5725 (1965). The verse 'And I pleaded with G-d' is explored through two Midrashic traditions: one says Moses asked for a free gift without using his merits, and the other explains that he chose the form of prayer called tachanunim, asking for mercy. The discourse explains how in relation to G-d even the greatest person can only ask as a free gift, since all human achievements are as nothing before the Infinite.