The Tzaddik Falls Seven Times: Growing from Adversity

Mishlei 24:16 - "התרפית ביום צרה - צר כחכה" Mishlei 24:17 - "הצל לקחים למות ומטים להרג אם תחשוך"

When read together the verses mean that if someone is in trouble and you are able to help them but don't, then when you are in need your own resources will fail you. If we don't help others when we are able to, we won't even be able to help ourselves. According to R' Itzeleh of Volozhin, the purpose of life, according to this reading, is to help others.

A true selfless giver also wants others to be able to give and is therefore willing to also be a receiver.

Delivered at the OU Israel Center, December 30th, 2018 (22 Tevet 5779)

This shiur is sponsored by Mel David & Family.