In this world we tend to cling to the notion that intellectual understanding is the key to truth. We assume that if something is clear to us, then it exists and it is true. Moreover, the more our understanding of something deepens, the more convinced we become that we are getting closer to the core of truth. When reality eludes us and does not allow for an immediate grasp, we become confused and feel a lack of stability.
But we Yidden know exactly the opposite: When less of a subject can be understood, it means that the subject is on a higher and deeper spiritual level and more real, and that is precisely the reason we cannot understand it.
The classic example of this is the parah adumah. Shlomo Hamelech said (Koheles 7:23) “I said that I will be wise, but it [proved to be] distant from me.” Shlomo Hamelech did not grasp this mitzvah.
The Maharal (sefer Ner Mitzvah, unit 1) cites a midrash that compares the exiles to the parah adumah, and he explains there that the mitzvah of parah adumah is from such a high place that a person cannot understand it.
This applies to the depth of the length of the galus as well.
If a person would come and ask, Why? Why so many tzaros? Why can’t we serve Hashem from serenity, as we desire? This midrash would answer him that it is because the purpose of galus, like the parah adumah, is a chok that we cannot understand. As the Maharal explains, “Once you understand why it is impossible to grasp these things [i.e., the parah adumah], you will understand why it is impossible to grasp why the galus is lasting so long.... Because its purpose is so deep that it cannot be understood, the length of the galus could not be revealed to the nevi’im, and these matters are profoundly deep.”
Profoundly deep and hidden. This is the foundation of the galus of Am Yisrael in general, and the galus of every Jew in particular.
Sometimes a person tells himself, If only I understood, I would see everything differently.
If I would know why I need to move from one apartment to another; if I understood why I need to wait so many years for children; if I had some sort of direction about why I need to deal with debt and financial problems for so many years – I would accept it happily.
People like to understand, but if a believing Yid understands and believes that the fact that he is lacking in understanding is because there is something here much higher than him, this has the best, most calming effect.
The Rebbe Reb Shlomo of Karlin (his yahrtzeit is on 22 Tammuz) related that the first thing he does for a chassid who comes to him is to take away his intellect, so that he will not rely on his intellect but rather on emunah.
Reb Shlomo Karliner wanted every Yid to serve Hashem on the highest possible level. When a person serves Hashem with emunah, then everything is higher, and everything is also closer.
It is specifically the lack of understanding that uplifts a person.
Gut Shabbat
Pinchas Shefer
