In Parshas Masai, we have the 42 travel spots that the Jewish people experienced. The Nesivos Shalom quotes from chassidic sources that not only did the Jewish nation as a whole travel to 42 places, but every Jew, throughout his journey in this world, needs to make these 42 stops.
There is an amazing idea that the Ohr Hachayim explains about the words ואלה מסעיהם למוצאיהם. Many times, we think something will happen because we travel to a certain place. However, a deeper understanding reveals that we actually travel to a certain place because we need to experience something there.
This is similar to the famous vort of the Bais Halevi regarding Parshas Mikeitz, in which he explains that contrary to what seems to have occurred, that is, that Yosef was released from prison because Pharaoh had a dream, in truth, was the opposite. What really happened is that Pharaoh had a dream because Yosef had to be released from prison. Life is really filled with these misleading scenarios, and our challenge is to really trust in Hashem and see His guiding hand in them.
The Nine Days can be seen in a similar light. Instead of looking at the coming Nine Days as days of darkness and constriction, we should look at them as days in which, due to their limitations and challenges, one can gain much more than during days of chessed and light. The chassidic sefarim write so beautifully regarding the verse in Eichah כל רודפיה השיגוה בין המצרים. The literal translation of this verse is that the pursuers of Israel reached her during the weeks of tragedies and pain. However, the chassidic interpretation is that all those who seek Hashem (the word רודפיה is split up into two words) are able to reach Him specifically when it is dark.
May these days become days of light, both on a hidden level and on a revealed level, with the coming of Mashiach bimheira beyameinu.
RABBI DANIEL COREN
SEMICHAS CHAVER SHIUR in R’ Coren’s office every Wednesday at 9:00 PM
Hachana L'Shabbos Shiur in 20 Upstairs every Wednesday at 9:45 PM
