There’s an aspect of this battle for kedushah that is often overlooked, and it is important to speak about it. A person seeks to be pure and holy. He davens to the Ribbono shel Olam for assistance in being holy, and he makes himself guardrails and barriers for extra precaution in this area. But we often lack empathy toward others who struggle in these matters.
It is similar to a person who is asked to donate money for a cause, and he says, “I can’t give to others when I have my own problems. I have a large family, with many bills to pay... how can I deal with your debts when I have my own struggles and challenges?” But this is incorrect—for every one of us is obligated to do for another person. To the contrary—by doing for others, you will spare yourself so much heartache. Even poor people are enjoined to give to other poor people. Every Yid is required to engage in tzedakah and chessed. You have problems? By taking one step for another, you will be spared from the need to take five hundred steps for yourself! Invest in helping others, and the merit will surely stand by you.
The Shechinah’s Pain
When it comes to nisyonos in avodas Hashem, a person often thinks: “I have enough of my own challenges, nisyonos, and ‘open accounts’ with the Ribbono shel Olam.” I need to do teshuvah for my past, and I must do my best to ensure that I don’t revert to my old ways. I simply don’t have the capacity to think about the challenges of other people. I need to take more upon myself?! Believe me, I have enough....”
But we must know that this isn’t right. We must be cognizant of the pain of the Shechinah and of the pain of other Yidden. How many Yidden suffer and struggle with pain, both physical and emotional, in the soul and the neshamah, in ways that cannot even be described, and they don’t find peace in ruchniyus or in gashmiyus—all because of their struggles and nisyonos. The hair on our heads would stand up if we’d properly appreciate the deep struggles that many Yidden endure—not knowing where to turn for relief from their struggles or what can help them. They’ve tried everything... they’ve cried and davened... and yet they continue to struggle, each in their own way.
