The Gemara (Bab. Shab. 55a) discusses when Zechuth Avoth ceased. I am aware of several opinions in Tosafoth that it ended for wicked people, or it ended for everyone but the very righteous or it ended but Berith Avoth didn't end - whatever that means. But - what does that mean? So much of our religious culture seems to assume that we are still in G-d's good graces because of the merits of our forefathers! What does it mean if we've used up that merit?! On what basis are we waiting for redemption, for one thing? On what basis do we pray for mercy and favor, for another thing? But my question is broader - generally, what does it mean for us not to have that merit in our favor?
This question is part of the Daf Yomi Challenge
Answer
Meshech Chochmah (Parashat Bechukotai) explains the difference between Zechut Avot (s.v. באופן here) and Brit Avot (in the top-left paragraph here) as follows:
If one invests in his friend's business, and subsequently sees his friend's children carrying on the business in the same good way as the father, he will be inclined to continue investing in the business since he sees the same positive qualities that caused him to invest in the first place.
If, however, the investor sees that the children are failing in the business, he will be inclined to intervene and ensure that his initial investment is not squandered, and will reinvest so as not to let the business die.
So it is for us. If we are walking in the ways of our forefathers - doing chesed and following the path - then we remind God of why he initially invested in the Jewish people and, in turn, He will deal with us on the level of Zechut.
If, instead, we are not following the path, then He will deal with us on the level of Brit (i.e. covenant) to prevent all He did for our forefathers going to waste. In doing so, He gives us time to regain our footing and return to the path).
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