Emuna Daily

The very fires that consume us are the fires that will give rise to the rebirth of the Jewish people.

~ R’ Elchonon Wasserman zt”l (1875-1941)

If this past Simchas Torah was like Tisha B’Av, may this coming Tisha B’Av be like Simchas Torah, with the coming of Moshiach!

The Sefer Chasidim (13) writes, “When Hakadosh Baruch Hu desires to bestow kindness on a person, the Satan (who is the middas hadin) comes before Hashem and says ‘Ribono Shel Olam, it isn’t proper to grant him these benefits before he passes a test.'”

This encourages us to pass the tests that are sent our way because it is likely that in its aftermath, we will receive Hashem’s kindness. This might be the test that precedes the kindness Hashem desires to bestow upon us.

~ R’ Elimelech Biderman

The Chovos HaLevavos quotes a pious person who says, “Did Hashem ever ask you to perform tomorrow’s mitzvos today?”

Of course not!

Similarly, Hashem gives us today what we need today, and tomorrow He will give us what we need tomorrow.  If we want to look at today’s allotment and fret that it does not cover tomorrow, this is suffering of our own creation.

~ R’ David Sutton

Hashem has pleasure when He bestows good fortune upon His children. 

When His children accept those positive experiences, they are performing a mitzvah because of the pleasure they give to Hashem. 

~ R’ Levi Yitzchak of Berdichev zt”l (1740-1810)

A wise person’s attitude towards future needs is rooted in the belief that “his confidence in the income and assets destined for him that are still in Hashem’s hands is even stronger than his confidence in those that he already has in his possession.” 

This is because he relies not on his possessions but on Hashem, with the unwavering faith that He will ensure that he will always have whatever he needs to sustain himself.

~ Chovos HaLevavos

I am not afraid of the severe aveiros, because they are severe [and I will anyway be cautious]. 

I fear the lighter mitzvos because they are lighter [and I don’t realize how cautious I must be not to transgress them].

~ Dovid HaMelech (Midrash Tanchuma, Ekev 1)

There is a time for every emotion—happiness, anger, worry—but the key is to experience them appropriately. 

Chazal teach us that the only legitimate worry should be about sinning and the quality of our Divine service. 

Worrying about livelihood or material concerns shows a lack of bitachon (trust in God). 

Focus your concern solely on spiritual matters, and trust in God for everything else.

Rebbe Shlomo of Karlin zt’l said, “One should never feel that the place where he is isn’t good.” 

Hashem arranged for you to be in that place and under those circumstances because He wants you to serve Him particularly from there. 

~ R’ Elimelech Biderman

Don’t worry if your only option left is to pray – it just means that you’ve narrowed down your options to the best one.

~ Rav Dror