Limud Torah

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 . Simila