Emuna Daily

Chazal say, “A maidservant at the sea saw more than Yechezkel ben Buzi,” meaning, everyone reached tremendous high levels of kedusha at Kriyas Yam Suf.  However, Matan Torah was different.

When Hashem gave the Torah, Klal Yisroel were divided according to their different levels. Moshe was closer than Aharon, Aharon was closer than the Kohanim, and the rest of Klal Yisroel weren’t permitted to leave their place to go up onto Har Sinai.

Why were they separated according to their level at Matan Torah, but there were no divisions at Kriyas Yam Suf?

The Rebbe of Tchortkov zt”l answers that the amount of Torah a person can acquire is dependent on his level.  Some people know more than others.  However, when it comes to emuna, everyone has the potential to reach the highest levels. With simple faith, even simple people can be great like the greatest tzaddikim.

~ R’ Elimelech Biderman

Trust in God should be so absolute that even when imprisoned, one should prepare himself to leave. 

~ The Sforno

The Kedushas Levi explains that it isn’t the miracles of Yetzias Mitzrayim that happened on this night that makes the night special. Rather, it is because this night is special that the miracles occurred!

“There are days when Hakadosh Baruch Hu bestows His goodness to His nation, Yisroel, and reveals His love to them. The most mesugal day for this is Pesach.”  

As the Midrash says, “What is Hashem occupied with on the first night of Pesach? He is occupied with performing miracles for Klal Yisroel.” As the piyyut says, ‘Most miracles happened on this night.’”  

May we merit miracles this year as well.

~ R’ Elimelech Biderman

Someone sent a letter to R’ Matisyahu Luria zt”l, in which he complained about all the hardships he was going through.

R’ Matisyahu replied: “If a person would put everything that he should be thankful for on one side of a scale, and on the other side, his frustrations and pain, the good will far outweigh the bad. He will laugh at himself for making an issue over his troubles, since there is so much blessing in his life.”

By speaking forbidden words, one’s desire for performing mitzvos is lost.

~ The Even Shlomo from the Vilna Gaon

Although tzaras no longer shows up as a white mark on the body or a red mark on one’s clothes or home, it still exists. 

The Chofetz Chaim said that today, tzaras, the punishment for speaking lashon hara, manifests in poverty.

The gemara (Gittin 36b) praises those who are shamed and don’t shame back.  R’ Shlomke of Zvhil zt”l said that it saves a person from many troubles and punishments, and at times, even from death.

In fact, R’ Moshe Leib of Sassov zt”l said “someone who is shamed should reply ‘May Hashem reward you, because you removed the death penalty from me!’” 

~ R’ Elimelech Biderman

The answer to all questions is “Hashem is in charge of everything that happens.”

~ R’ Moshe of Kobrin zt”l (1784-1858)

Instead of asking Hashem, “Lamah” – “Why?” – we ask “L’mah” – Toward what end is this?” – How can I learn and grow from it?

~ R’ Samson Raphael Hirsch zt”l (1808 – 1888)

Since a humble person lowers himself, Hashem elevates him. ~ Eruvin 13b