Chok L'Yisrael
Shlach for Sunday
In times of trouble, each person should focus on understanding the true reason for their difficulties, preparing themselves to fast, repent, and pray for Divine relief. This approach mirrors the obligation of a community to fast and afflict themselves during times of collective hardship, as commanded by the Sages, of blessed memory. Such a fast day is considered a choice day, one that finds favor with G-d.
When a pure and upright individual experiences suffering decreed by G-d, may He be blessed, it should be viewed as a test designed to increase their reward in the Olam Haba (World to Come). As it is written in Devarim 8:16, "So that He might afflict you, in order that He would try you, to benefit you in the end." The Sages also teach in Berachot 5a that if a person examines their deeds during times of trouble and finds no sin, these sufferings are considered to be born of love, meant to elevate their status in the Olam Haba.
Similar to this concept of repentance inspired by troubles is the repentance a person undertakes on their deathbed. When a sinner realizes that evil has befallen them and all hope is lost - as it is written in Mishlei 11:7, "When a wicked man dies, hope is lost" - they may confess and return to G-d wholeheartedly. While this form of repentance is effective, it does not reach the same level as repentance performed when a person is still in the midst of life and has their full strength.
(Yosef le-Chok, Rabbeinu Yonah Sharei Teshuvah 9a)
Conclusion:
In the crucible of adversity, we find the true gold of our character; for it is not the absence of suffering that defines us, but how we transform our trials into spiritual triumphs. Each challenge is a Divine invitation to elevate our souls, turning moments of despair into eternal rewards.
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*The term "Olam Haba" (עולם הבא) is a Hebrew phrase that translates to "the World to Come". It is a fundamental concept in Jewish theology and eschatology, referring to the Future World.
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