Page 3 - The Jewish Voice - December '24

The Jewish Voice, Page 3

From the rabbi

Tough Times Don’t Last — would be easy. It’s tough out there and sometimes downright and on the development of his character is when he must
No one ever received a guarantee from G-d that life
struggle for the sake of his values, and especially when he
Tough People Do dangerous. But in the end, G-d promises us that it was part must contend with those pursuing him for upholding his faith.
of His mysterious plan. Although such an experience is full of difficulty and
By Rabbi Dovid Vigler We’re introduced to Abraham when G-d tells him to leave hardship, it is rich in the strong impact it leaves on a person;
Kristallnacht came to his birthplace. Instead of the usual verb “Lech” (Go), the ultimately those days are the brightest days of his life.
Amsterdam last month. Just Torah uses a double expression — “Lech Lecha” — Go for As Jewish people we have suffered so much this past year
when we thought we were yourself. Our sages explain that in this double language lies and there doesn’t seem to be a light at the end of the tunnel.
starting to see a turning point a profound truth that was designed to help Abraham through But the words of G-d to Abraham ring truer than ever. Yes,
of Israel’s War on Terror, his struggles as well as each of us, his children, through ours you will suffer, things will seem like there is no way out, but
the vicious attack of Israeli as well. know that I am there through it all and I promise you, it will
soccer supporters was a Instead of the mistaken notion that the purpose of the make you stronger, wiser, and more united.
rude awakening to the harsh struggle is to do something for G-d, G-d tells us that we are You can’t win without sweating bullets during practice.
struggles we are forced to doing this for ourselves! Lech Lecha means go for yourself. You can’t succeed without burning the midnight oil low. Your
face, even in our supposedly The reason you must struggle is in order to bring out the best challenge was sent by G-d to make you into a champion. Life
civilized times today. in you, to unearth the basement of your soul that you never is a test and G-d has given you the tools to emerge victorious.
These events are deeply disturbing: Even more painful knew existed. Overcoming this test will help you discover The very first recorded words spoken to Abraham the first
than the animus of our enemies is the silence of our friends who you truly are and who you were born to become. Jew — “Lech Lecha” —serve as a stark reminder that the
— chief among them the failure of Dutch authorities to We have certainly seen how G-d’s words to Abraham have purpose of the struggle is to bring out the best in ourselves.
adequately protect the Israeli fans. Whereas in Anne Frank’s been precise. We have grown to be a strong and large nation The Torah is revealing to us the secret to our success: When
Holland Jews had nowhere to run or hide, today we have our despite being oppressed in countries around the world. We you go through difficult times, realize that it’s a test. Don’t
beautiful homeland, our fierce army, and political leaders are sure that just as those words have come true, so will the be stubborn and inflexible. G-d is sanding down your rough
who are coming to the rescue of our fellow Jews. Never rest of it as G-d promises that He will deliver us from the edges. Only when facing the mighty millstone will the olives
again is now — we must fight back and defend ourselves in enemy and reward us with blessings of all kinds. produce their liquid gold.
every which way we can. Only through strength will there A king was once concerned about the laziness of his son, As painful as it is, see if you can find the courage to
be peace. the crown prince. Refusing to rise from his bed or even get embrace your struggle, because without it you’d have never
And we indignantly turn to G-d and say: Why is this dressed, he was spoiled rotten. Anxious about his son’s ability discovered your strength. Find peace in knowing that it’s part
happening to us? to govern the kingdom, the father had no choice but to banish of your journey and that, ultimately, you’ve been promised
G-d told Abraham — the first Jew — some very strong him from the palace. Far from the luxuries to which he had to land on your feet.
words about the Jewish future. Frankly, it isn’t pretty and grown accustomed, the young man was now forced to earn Remember that not every season is for growing: Some
not anything we would choose ourselves. But it’s a good his keep in order to survive. Slowly and painfully, he learned seasons are for planting, others for weeding and planning,
idea to open the book and see how G-d has informed us of to cope and even to succeed. A wise prince would thank his and just one is for harvesting. You can’t expect to harvest at
how he chooses to operate. father for the challenge; a fool would admonish him. all times. When the weather is harsh, know that it’s watering
G-d notifies Abraham that Jews would suffer tremendously, In a letter written in 1934, just seven years after his the seeds that will become your bounty.
but in the end he will cast judgment upon our oppressors and unspeakable suffering at the hands of the Communist We’re going through tough times today indeed. But remember
things will turn out better than we ever imagined. government of Russia, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, that tough times don’t last — tough people do.
G-d said to Abram: “Know for sure that your descendants the previous Rebbe of Chabad, spoke of the reason G-d allows We’re going to win this war. We always do.
will be foreigners in a land that is not theirs, and the us to suffer. These words could only have been written by a Rabbi Dovid Vigler is the spiritual leader at Chabad of
people will enslave them and oppress them for 400 years. Jewish sage who had personally suffered so much: Divine Palm Beach Gardens and host of the Jewish Schmooze Radio
[Ultimately,] He will also execute judgment upon the nation providence sometimes puts a person in a situation that Show. Email him at rabbi@jewishgardens.com.
whom they will serve. After that they will leave with great changes his nature and gives him the ability to rise to new
wealth” (Genesis 15:13-14). levels … The most impactful experience on a person’s life

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