Aug 5, 2024
by R. Eliezer Simcha Weisz
A businessperson travels to a distant town for a break. Unbeknownst to him, his journey is not merely a sequence of chance events but a carefully guided path designed by Hashem. Upon arriving, he encounters a man in a café. Their casual conversation leads to discussions and the completion of a business deal.
Initially attributing this meeting to luck or happenstance, the businessperson later realizes that every detail of his journey, from choosing to visit this particular town to meeting the local entrepreneur, was part of a divine plan. What seemed like random encounters were, in fact, intricately woven moments intended to fulfill a greater purpose.
Similarly, the journeys of the Israelites through the desert were not arbitrary wanderings but purposeful travels directed by Hashem. These journeys are meticulously documented in the book of Bamidbar, providing more than just a historical record; they reveal profound insights into Hashem's guidance and the purpose of experiences.
Bamidbar 33:2: וַיִּכְתֹּב משֶׁה אֶת מוֹצָאֵיהֶם לְמַסְעֵיהֶם עַל פִּי ה׳ וְאֵלֶּה מַסְעֵיהֶם לְמוֹצָאֵיהֶם
"Moshe recorded their departures (also interpreted as findings or happenings during the journey) for their journeys according to the word of Hashem. These were their journeys according to their findings (also interpreted as departures or happenings)."
The verse begins with "Moshe wrote down their findings during their journeys" (מוֹצָאֵיהֶם לְמַסְעֵיהֶם) and concludes with "and these were their journeys according to their findings" (מַסְעֵיהֶם לְמוֹצָאֵיהֶם). This change in wording emphasizes that the journeys were not merely a series of destinations but a profound narrative of discoveries and purpose guided by Hashem.
Purposeful Guidance
Each stage of the Bnei Yisrael's journey was meticulously orchestrated by Hashem. The change in wording in the verses underscores that their travels were intentionally designed to lead to specific experiences and lessons. This structure reflects that their journeys were purposeful, not random.
Contemporary Insights
After World War II, Reb Mottel Pogromansky, a Torah scholar who survived the Holocaust, found himself traveling on a train with a fellow Jew who was both a shochet (ritual slaughterer) and a mohel (ritual circumciser). Engrossed in a deep Talmudic discussion, they missed their intended stop. The train continued on to another city, and with Erev Shabbos approaching, they had no choice but to disembark in an unfamiliar town, completely unaware of their location.
Reb Mottel’s companion was understandably anxious, feeling lost in an unknown place with Shabbos approaching. Yet, Reb Mottel remained steadfast in his faith and reassured his friend with a profound belief, saying, “A Jew is never lost! If we are here, it is not because we are lost; it is because we are meant to be here!”
Despite this reassurance, the companion persisted in his anxiety, expressing in Yiddish, “Reb Mottel, mir zennen fort farblundget – we are still lost!” However, Reb Mottel refused to lose hope. He made inquiries in the town and discovered a solitary Jewish family living there. Without hesitation, they proceeded to the family’s home and knocked on their door.
The man who opened the door was astonished to find two religious Jews on his doorstep, as such visitors were rare in that remote town. Overwhelmed with surprise, he blurted out, “Are you Eliyahu HaNavi?” – mistaking them for the prophet Elijah due to the unexpected nature of their arrival. Calmly, Reb Mottel introduced himself as Mottel Pogromansky and his friend.
The host then explained that just the previous Shabbos, his wife had given birth to a baby boy, but they were unable to find a mohel to perform the bris milah (circumcision) on Shabbos, the eighth day as required by Jewish law. Hopeful, the host asked, “Would either of you happen to be a mohel?” Reb Mottel smiled warmly and informed him that his friend indeed was not only a mohel but had all the necessary equipment with him. Miraculously, despite the initial challenges and their unexpected journey, the newborn baby was circumcised on Shabbos, fulfilling the mitzvah (commandment) at the proper time.
This poignant story, retold by Rav Mordechai Gifter zt”l, the Telzer Rosh Yeshivah and a talmid of Reb Mottel Pogromansky’s in Telz, serves as a testament to Reb Mottel Pogromansky’s unwavering faith and profound trust in the Almighty. Despite enduring the horrors of the Holocaust and facing the uncertainties of post-war Europe, Reb Mottel exemplified a deep conviction that every circumstance, even seemingly accidental ones, are guided by divine providence.
This narrative highlights not only the importance of faith and trust in difficult times but also how unexpected situations can reveal opportunities to fulfill mitzvot and serve a greater purpose guided by Hashem’s plan.
Practical Application
Understanding that disruptions or inconveniences can be opportunities for protection or growth is crucial. Just as the Torah emphasizes Hashem's intention behind the Israelites' journeys, we can find reassurance that our lives are guided by a higher purpose.
Conclusion
The recounting of the Bnei Yisrael's journeys and contemporary stories like Reb Mottel’s illustrate that apparent disruptions can be part of Hashem's plan. Recognizing this can help us find meaning in challenges and opportunities, knowing there is a greater plan at work in our lives.
Final Thought
The journeys we took in the desert and the journeys we take in life are all "'על פי ה" – never aimless wandering, but rather purposeful travel. This perspective allows us to navigate life's twists and turns with faith and understanding, trusting that each step is guided by Hashem's plan, we realize that all the trials and tribulations we undergo are part of G-d's plan The recounting of the Bnei Yisrael's journeys and contemporary stories like Reb Mottel’s illustrate that apparent disruptions can be part of Hashem's plan. Recognizing this can help us find meaning in challenges and opportunities, knowing there is a greater plan at work in our lives. As we navigate through these challenging times, we realize that all the trials and tribulations we undergo are part of G-d's plan may these sad days turn from days of sadness to days of joy, bringing comfort to the wounded, strength to families, victory to our soldiers, unity to the Jewish people, and complete redemption until the building of the Beit HaBechira.
