By Rabbi Shmuel Gluck

The Viduy said when the Bikkurim are brought seems to be contrary to Torah Hashkafa. It is full of self-praise, reminding Hashem that we not only are bringing the Bikkurim but we list each and every detail, such as doing it with Simcha. Why is it appropriate, and necessary, to confirm that we are doing the Mitzvah perfectly? 

Reb Moshe writes in Doresh Moshe that there are two types of Viduy. There’s the traditional one, Viduy on our Aveiros, listing off what we’ve done wrong, such as when we say the Al Cheits. The reminder is intended to motivate us to be stronger and more vigilant in our performance of Mitzvohs. 

Feeling good about doing something motivates people to try again next time.

The second type of Viduy is Viduy Mitzvohs. It is a reminder that there is a difference between lacking self-esteem, which is bad and being humble, which is good. We must remind ourselves how we did it right. This is also a motivator to repeat this in the future. Feeling good about doing something motivates people to try again next time. But feeling good for doing it perfectly motivates us even more. 

Viduy Mitzvohs requires us to find the perfect balance between appreciation to Hashem for allowing us to serve Him correctly and self-serving arrogance. Nevertheless, being a necessary tool, we are responsible to find that balance.

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