A group of Chassidim were once traveling together on a train, each of them recounting the incredible mofsim (miraculous wonders) their Rebbes had done on behalf of others. A Lubavitcher chassid of the Rashab (Rav Sholom Dovber Schneerson) was amongst the group, though he remained sitting silently throughout it all. Finally, he was cornered with the question. “And you, what about your Rebbe?” they inquired. The chassid then began.
“I had a large sum of money and I wanted to invest it. I asked the Rebbe if a particular business was a good idea, and he said yes. Three days later, I went to him and asked the same question again, and he assured me that it was a good idea. So, I invested the money. “And so...” eagerly asked the surrounding chassidim, “what happened?” “I lost the whole amount.” The chassidim dropped their jaws. “So, where’s the mofes?” wondered the chassidim, confused. “I remained a chassid,” he replied.
When things don’t go our way, our task at that point is to remain a chassid of the Ribono Shel Olam. Whether we see how something is good or not, we know that Hashem is our Father and what He does for us is good.
It’s not always for us to see or understand. But it is always for us to hold steadfast in knowing that it is good because Hashem is good. That alone is our greatest comfort, even amidst the cloudiest and darkest of nights.
Reprinted from the Parshat Vayakhel edition of the Torahanytimes Newsletter.
