Emuna Daily

“Even extreme handicaps are for a person’s own good.  Hashem alone knows what a soul must correct, and thereby places each soul in a circumstance that is conducive for its necessary tikkun or soul correction.” – The Garden of Emuna

“Rebbe Nachman of Breslev teaches…that Hashem immediately calls out to a person that strays from the proper path, beckoning that individual to return.  Hashem summons each person in a tailor made fashion and in accordance with that person’s needs.  For some, Hashem’s call may be a subtle hint for one person yet a vocal reprimand for others.  A ‘louder’ call might assume the form of physical punishment; in the jargon of our sages (Midrash Mishli, 22) ‘A whisper suffices for the wise, but a fool needs flagellation.'”               – The Garden of Emuna

“Those with emuna therefore direct their efforts to achieving their tikkun, and focus on getting to know Hashem.  Such individuals are constantly seeking Hashem.  As a result, Hashem doesn’t need to send superfluous ‘wake up calls’ that manifest themselves in the form of extreme tribulations.  ‘Emuna’ people consqequently live happy and tranquil lives, regardless of their life’s trials and challenges.” – The Garden of Emuna

“When we experience difficulties in life, it’s a clear sign that we’re a beloved son or daughter of Hashem.  Knowing that Hashem loves us and does everything for our benefit makes life not only bearable, but gratifying.  The contrary also holds true – ignorance of the fact that Hashem loves us and is helping us to attain our needed tikkun is the root of all suffering, worry, and anxiety.” – The Garden of Emuna

“The righteous receive tribulations in order to merit a lofty place in the world to come.”  Tracate Kiddushin, 40b – The Garden of Emuna.

“Our Talmudic sages warned (tracate Arachin, 16b) that if a person has forty consecutive days  free of tribulations, he or she forfeits their share in the world to come!” – The Garden of Emuna

“The Zohar (Bechukotai, 114) states ‘How beloved are the children of Israel before the Holy One, blessed be He!  He desires to reprove them and to lead them on the straight path, like a loving father who wields a rod in hand in order to lead the son on the straight path, so that the son shall not stray to the right or to the left, as it is written (Proverbs, 3:12) ‘Hashem reproves those that He loves, and like a father mollifies the child.’

Ponder the above proverb for a moment.  If Hashem reproves those that He loves, inversely, He doesn’t reprove those that He hates!  If so, a life devoid of trials and tribulations is not a very good sign.”  – The Garden of Emuna