Faith and Hope Against All Odds

By Rabbi Moshe Krieger, Yeshivas Bircas HaTorah (www.bircas.org)

In Parashas Vayeira, Avraham Avinu hosted three angels. Although he was under the mistaken impression that they were nomads, Avraham treated them like royalty and provided them with a lavish feast. After the meal, one of these “nomads” told Avraham that he and Sarah will be blessed with a child. Sarah, overhearing the conversation from the privacy of her tent, laughed at the absurdity of this stranger’s comment. Hashem, however, criticized her laughter.

The question arises: what was wrong with Sarah Imeinu’s laughter? As far as she knew, these were mere nomads. How could Sarah have known that they were actually angels, messengers of a true prophecy? Furthermore, not only was Sarah very old, the Midrash attests to the fact that she was and had always been physically incapable of childbirth. Surely, it was perfectly rational for her to believe that she would not bear children in spite of the testimony of this complete stranger.

The Ramban answers that Sarah’s laughter revealed that she had despaired of ever bearing a child. Had she believed that there was any possibility that she would give birth, she would not have laughed, irrespective of who made the claim. On the contrary, she would have appreciated the man’s good wishes, answering “amen” and hoping optimistically that his words would be fulfilled. Instead, Sarah considered the idea of her bearing a child ridiculous.

This is why Hashem became angry, so to speak, with Sarah. One may never give up. Hashem created the laws of nature, and He is not limited by them. The Gemara (Berachos 10a) says that even if a sword is at one’s neck, one should never despair of salvation. There are no absolutes when it comes to Hashem’s will. We are expected to live with an inspired, optimistic awareness that Hashem can do anything. Even in the most trying circumstances, when all odds are against us, He can perform wonders. This is a basic tenet of the Jewish faith.

“When you go to war against your enemy and you see the horses and chariots [and an army that is] bigger than yours, do not be afraid of them” (Devarim 20:1). Incredibly, the Torah actually prohibits being afraid in battle. Even a lone soldier who is outnumbered by the advancing enemy may not be distressed. The reason for this prohibition is that fright stems only from lack of faith in Hashem. Since Hashem is in control, a Jewish warrior has no reason to fear.

Rabbeinu Yonah (Sha’arei Teshuvah 3:31–32) writes that this applies not only to soldiers but to us as well, whenever a problem occurs in our lives. If we are intimidated by anyone or anything, it shows that we do not fully trust that Hashem is in complete control of the situation. Even if we see no possibility of improvement, it does not mean that Hashem will not change the normal course of events and reverse the irreversible. Rabbeinu Yonah teaches us that this belief is not only beneficial to us—it is an obligation.

Rav Aharon Yehuda Leib Steinman observes that nowadays most people don’t relate to the concept that Hashem can perform miracles for them. They think that miracles happened only in the times of Tanach, and in today’s day and age they happen only for very great tzaddikim, if at all. This attitude is wrong, argues Rav Steinman, citing Rashi in Shemos (15:32), who recounts how Yirmiyahu HaNavi rebuked the people for working too much and neglecting Torah study. The people challenged Yirmiyahu, asking him, “How are we going to support ourselves?” Yirmiyahu dismissed this argument by taking out a flask that still contained the mann that the Jews had eaten for forty years in the desert. “Hashem supported you then,” said Yirmiyahu, “and He will support you now, too.”

Even though the days of mann falling from heaven have long since passed, Yirmiyahu was teaching us that Hashem has not changed. Though circumstances may be different, Hashem is still Hashem. Just like He performed miracles for our ancestors in the days of old, so too He can perform miracles for us now. Hashem can make anything happen.

How can we merit miracles? Rav Steinman says that though Hashem is willing to perform miracles for any of us, we must show Him that we too are above nature. By rising above our physical desires and engaging in Torah and mitzvos more earnestly, becoming more spiritual people, we can become deserving of Hashem’s miraculous assistance.

The Gemara (Ta’anis 21a) tells us about Nachum Ish Gam Zu, who was in a severely debilitated state near the end of his life. He was blind, lacked hands and legs, and what remained of his body was covered in boils. His students had to put his bed posts into buckets of water to prevent ants from climbing onto his bed and crawling all over him.

One day, his talmidim noticed that their rebbe’s house was on the verge of collapse. They begged him to let them take him out, and afterwards they would try to save his possessions. “I’m not worried,” said Rav Nachum. “As long as I am in the house, Hashem will not allow anything to happen. Please remove my belongings first.” The students complied. The moment Rav Nachum was taken out of the house, it collapsed.

How was Rav Nachum so sure that Hashem would protect him? What was his secret? Rav Steinman explains that Rav Nachum’s confidence stemmed from his steadfast faith that Hashem was constantly doing everything for him. Indeed, it was this attitude that earned Rav Nachum the title “Ish Gam Zu,” as the expression “gam zu l’tovah” (this too is for the good) was always on his lips. He lived every day of his life with the belief that everything was ultimately for the best because he recognized that Hashem was constantly there to help him. He was sure that just as Hashem had provided for him even in the most trying circumstances, so too He would take care of him now.

Rav Nachum trained himself to see miracles everywhere and learned to live with them, eventually reaching the point where he knew that he could rely on them. This was the way he chose to live. Hashem, in turn, continued to lead Rav Nachum on this path because that was where he wanted to go. So too, if we commit ourselves to doing Hashem’s will and aspire to grow spiritually, Hashem will certainly assist us in living that way.

One of the most memorable quotes I found in my father’s diary after his passing pertains to this very subject. My father wrote for himself, “Don’t worry! You should know that you have a Father in heaven! He’s taking care of you. All you have to do is put all your efforts into learning and davening to Hashem with pure intent.” Indeed, my father merited many miracles in his life, many of which went against the laws of nature.

May we be zocheh to strengthen our faith in Hashem and merit His divine assistance!

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