This verse also contains a prayer that Hashem’s goodness should not remain hidden and should be revealed. Rav Moshe Leib of Sasov zy”a explains the double expression of “heitiv aitiv” to mean that even if a person goes through a hard time, he must believe that his suffering is for his own benefit. However, it is very hard for a person to deal with pain and suffering, even if he knows that he is benefitting from them. Therefore, Yaakov asked for the “tov to be tov”. He prayed that the goodness should be revealed so that it would be clear to see, which would make the situation easier to deal with.
More in this printout
- Guarding Ones Thoughts is Akin to Keeping All 613 MitzvosExplore how Yaakov Avinu fulfilled all 613 mitzvos in Lavan's house by guarding his thoughts from Torah in the presence of idols, as explained by the Baal Shem
- Rasha I Do Not Fear YouA story of Rav Shlomo Leib of Tutchin's unwavering faith during WWI, illustrating why a person who fears Hashem should never fear any human being.
- Humility Comes From Good DeedsThe Kretchnifer Rebbe and Rav Mordchele of Nadovrna explain how Yaakov Avinu attained humility through kindness and why humility brings one closer to Hashem.
- Prayers Accepted in the Merit of TzedakahThe Chida explains how Yaakov's humility and acts of tzedakah made him worthy of having his prayers accepted by Hashem, based on the Midrash Socher Tov.
- Goodness Hidden Amidst The BadExplore the Kedushas Levi's perspective on how divine suffering is a hidden form of kindness, comparable to a surgeon's healing incision.
- Accepting Suffering With LoveRav Yechezkel of Kuzmir explains how accepting suffering with emunah and gratitude leads to greater divine kindness, while complaining brings further hardship.
- Revealed ChasadimRav Boruch of Mezhibuzh explains the prayer for revealed kindness, asking Hashem to help us perceive the goodness in all His actions through our own understandi
- Hashem Purifies Us In Our TimesThe Kretchnifer Rebbe and Baal Shem Tov explain how Hashem uses kindness and chesed to inspire repentance in our generation, rather than harsh purification test
- Singing Helps Tefillos be AcceptedLearn how singing praises and thanking Hashem for everything opens the gates of kindness and helps ensure that our tefillos are accepted by the Almighty.
- Yeshuos Through SongDiscover how praising Hashem through song and gratitude, as taught by the Bais Aharon of Karlin and Dovid Hamelech, can bring about personal salvation and yeshu