Remaining calm in a vortex of confusion

Lichvod Rav Dovid Levy shlit”a,

I’m one of the war refugees, and this isn’t the forum to explain what that entails, but in short: family life in small living quarters, reliance on others, no job, no peace of mind, fragmented and incomplete chinuch for my children, and more.

But the greatest difficulty is that it doesn’t end, and you don’t see anything else on the horizon. How do I deal with this situation?

Hagaon Harav Dovid Levy shlit”a replies: The truth is that I am unable to answer. Who am I to respond? There’s no way for an outsider to understand the difficult challenges that you’re dealing with. What can I say?

Nevertheless, I’ll say something that might, at least, help me.

Many are familiar with the words of the Yaabetz in his introduction to the siddur:

How can one who denies Divine providence not be embarrassed? Anyone who contemplates our unique position in the world: We are an innocent nation, like a dispersed flock after all the hardships and challenges we’ve endured for thousands of years. No other nation in the world is as persecuted as we are. How many difficulties we’ve had, how many have stood up against us since our inception, to destroy us, to eliminate us, to uproot us because of their hatred and jealousy. Yet, they haven’t been able to destroy us. All the previously impressive nations have been wiped out, their memory forgotten, their faces blurred, their protective shade removed, while we, a nation connected to Hashem, have remained alive to this day. Despite the duration and intensity of our exile, we haven’t lost a single letter or nekudah of the Written Torah, and all the words of our Sages have withstood the test of time and are still in existence. How would an intelligent philosopher explain all of this? Can this possibly be coincidental? When contemplating G-d’s wonders, these miracles make more of an impression than all the miracles He did for our forefathers in Egypt, in the desert, and in the Land of Israel. As the exile draws out, it only gets more miraculous, and G-d’s strength and power become more apparent.

We can understand from these words that when a first glance at a difficult situation leaves us feeling hopeless, a historical perspective can show us how everything is under Divine providence and supervision. Above all, it’ll teach us about our role in history.

Hitler, may his name be blotted out, believed that even if he doesn’t kill all the Jews, the remaining ones will die of depression. But he was entirely mistaken!

The nation of Israel lives and rises from the ashes, and today, they are doing even better than before, both spiritually and physically.

Klal Yisrael always knew how to look beyond the horizon, with a consciousness of its eternity, and of the distinct providence it enjoys.

Am Yisrael has been distinctly and endlessly devoted to our role and continuity. We have this ability; it’s been implanted within us by the many generations who have sacrificed so much for the sake our eternity.

We’re accustomed to suffering, but we’re also accustomed to miracles.

It says in Maseches Kiddushin (33.): R’ Yochanan would stand up for elderly non-Jews. When asked for a reason, he responded: they’ve been through many experiences and adventures. These words are puzzling. Why does one need to rise for life experience?

The answer, according to Rashi, is as follows: Life experience means that they’ve gone through difficulties and have seen many miracles and wonders.

This suggests that life experience develops our belief in Divine providence, so an older person will be more of a believer. Therefore, we stand up in his honor.

I am certain that you will yet have miraculous stories to tell over to future generations, just like our forefathers.

P.S. Regarding your current circumstances, I think it should be possible to find a way to fix the situation. Maybe consult with professionals, but it’s important to research and see what can be resolved. Maybe it’s possible to find funding for an apartment, to find a cheder and girls’ school for your children, and then maybe also a temporary job.

Hatzlachah rabba!