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Don’t put me to the test.

שו”תCategory: generalDon’t put me to the test.
asked 3 years ago

Hello Rabbi Michi, in the text of the morning blessings there is a prayer that asks, “And do not lead us into temptation.” I was unable to understand why not to come into temptation. That is our role in the world, isn’t it? Ramchal: “Man was not created except… to stand trial.” Isn’t that also simple?


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מיכי Staff answered 3 years ago
You remind me of a question from the Rebbe of Gur that is brought up in the book of Hemda: Why are we happy on Hanukkah? We could have died for the sake of God and we benefited from it, we missed the mitzvah. This is a good wort for Hasidim. Or alternatively, the Ramban about Joseph who worked to fulfill his dreams (and therefore did not send a sign of life to his father). If God wants to put us to the test, He will do so. But I do not need to seek out tests by force, and if I can avoid them, I will do so. Similarly, a person should not put himself into tests on an intentional basis (although I remember from the Rambam’s commentators in the Teshuvah that a person who repents is supposed to return to the same situation in which he failed, and some interpret that he must actually do so. I think I saw this in the book ‘Letshuvat Hashanah’). In your opinion, shouldn’t a person ask not to be put into a situation where he will have to die for the sake of God?

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. replied 3 years ago

Rabbi, if you so much want to avoid attempts to die for the sanctification of Hashem, it sounds like a good option for you.

The phrase "If God wants to put us to the test, He will do it." Well, the Rabbi does not advocate constant intervention.

מנסה להבין replied 3 years ago

In fact, I once asked someone this question and this is how he explained it to me, and I thought it was interesting that Rabbi Mikhi, who does not believe in private providence and the direct connection between what happens to us and God today, would be able to answer this question.
I will explain myself, your answer is based on the assumption that our job is to withstand trials, among other things, but we should not seek it, we should leave it to God, meaning we are not supposed to run away to the deserts to get away from slander as you wrote to me, but in our current situation, because we believe that God arranged it this way, let's deal with it and try to stay away as long as we are more or less in the environment we are in. (Not moving to Las Vegas and not running away to live alone). But if the place where I live or anything else that could harm my relationship with God, – It came about as a random result and not because God is overseeing and arranging it, so the question is difficult. I am not suggesting trying to reach a state of dying for the sanctification of God, but why stay in the current state?
I would be happy if you could correct me if I misunderstood the answer.

פסיק replied 3 years ago

Mr. Nukat, according to the method of the one who prays and seriously intends to ask God not to bring him into temptation, the answer was given that it is logical to ask in this way as if asking to avoid any risk (it is scary to cross a threshold with a transgressor), and if God wants something else, there is of course no one who can prevent it.

מיכי Staff replied 3 years ago

Exactly. The discussion was conducted according to the method of those who believe that God is involved in the world. The very request, logical or not, assumes involvement.

מנסה להבין replied 3 years ago

I couldn't understand, in your opinion the request is irrelevant today, so I'm not asking from the text. But what is the right way?, As mentioned above, you probably don't recommend me to move to the deserts nor to a worse place than where I am now, but why stay in my current situation that has no real meaning?, When there is no involvement, a different solution must be found.

מיכי Staff replied 3 years ago

This confused discussion is getting nowhere. In my opinion, there is no divine intervention. Above, I answered your opinion that there is. What are you asking now? Why do you assume that my situation has no meaning? What does it mean to remain in my situation? Are you suggesting that I commit suicide? If you don't decide what you are asking, it will not be possible to discuss.

מנסה להבין replied 3 years ago

I didn't mean to say that there is a contradiction in your words, I'm simply trying to understand how you think life should be conducted. In my opinion, experience is a good thing and it is what brings us closer and advances us. It is not wise to seek to reach a state of experience because we cannot trust ourselves to succeed in it, but there is a conflict here: Can I remain in my current situation and in the trials of everyday life? I may not succeed in this too, and how can I trust myself? For those who believe in providence, then we can make excuses as you made excuses, but in your opinion, how should we conduct ourselves? And if according to what we think is likely to succeed, is it right to reach a state of dying for the sanctification of God if I believe that I will stand up to it?

מיכי Staff replied 3 years ago

In my opinion, we are supposed to keep the Torah and the mitzvot and be a good person and realize our values and goals. If trials arise, we should try to withstand them. But we should not seek out trials. Certainly not seek out situations that require us to die for the sake of God.
I think we have completely exhausted ourselves.

מנסה להבין replied 3 years ago

Okay, thank you very much. Sorry if I bothered you.

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