Question: We need to not only conquer Gaza but to reclaim the land by settling it with many Jewish communities. Otherwise, we are just putting a band aid on the problems and the wars and terror will return. Yet, from what I hear in the news, this is not our government’s plan. It is so frustrating and disheartening. What should be my approach to the situation,
Answer: Your frustration and disillusionment is understandable. Many people feel as you do. It is not enough to destroy the enemy. As the Rebbe says, maintaining our security requires wide settlement of all parts of our land, including Gaza, Yehuda, Shomron and the Golan.
It is said that Chassidim of earlier generations would wash their hands after reading the newspaper to rid themselves of its impurity. Why? The news saps our faith. It causes us to put our trust in worldly powers and forget Hashem is in control.
In regards healing, the Rebbe often pointed out that we only trust doctors for the thing that Torah told us to trust them: to heal. Predictions of a person’s chances are not in a doctor’s purview. As the Rebbe said to parents of a sick child: “The doctors are in charge of nothing else [other than healing]; when you hear something grim from a doctor, you shouldn’t give it any attention. You must take it as a nisayon, a test from Hashem—he is testing your and your husband’s emunah and bitachon. The sooner you strengthen your emunah and bitachon in Hashem, the sooner you will see your daughter getting better, with your physical eyes.”
Similarly, the politicians, political commentators and news outlets say what they expect or want will happen. Yet, just like a doctor has a specific job - to heal and not predict the outcome; the news has a specific role - to keep us informed. Hashem will decide the outcome.
Bitachon (the trust that Hashem will bring revealed good) is a tremendous vessel to manifest Hashem’s goodness in the world. In addition, bitachon inspires confidence and positivity, increasing one’s ability to succeed.
Each soul has a specific job and is placed in the exact place to accomplish its mission. Trust in Hashem and keep moving forward, affecting your surroundings in a positive way.
A Rabbi once complained to the Rebbe that only one woman attended his class. The Rebbe responded: how many mothers did Moshe Rabbeinu have.
Baruch Hashem, we know what the ultimate outcome will be—the coming of Moshiach. Together we can quicken this reality.
Aharon Schmidt - marriage & individual counseling; [email protected]
