Hi rabbi My name is Mordechai I am 59 years old with 4 children 3 in college age 23.21.18.16 I lost my business and all saving I search a lot in my life as what did I did wrong I am an observer Jew as much as I can nobody is perfect but I am in edge of loosing my mind At this age loosing business and not having money is hard I really don’t know what to do I do tefilla I study a little I can not even concentrate when I am praying life is becoming hard for me I don’t even know what would be next month I called whoever I know for job and nothing is going on how can I find a way to find from Hashem what did I do wrong that I can fix it

Shalom, I was so saddened to read your letter. My heart goes out to you. As to why this is happening to you – and whether it is a punishment at all – is up to Hashem. Sometimes Hashem has all types of reasons for things that appear very difficult to us. They are not always punishments for wrongdoing. Many times they are to bring us to a better place in life. We can never fully know. What we do know for certain, is the continuing to strengthen ourselves in Torah and Mitzvot helps us get through such times. No matter how bad things are, being part of a religious community makes it better. No matter how little hope we might see on the horizon, prayer gives us hope. No matter how joyless our week, Shabbat adds light. Understanding how hard your life is at the moment makes it difficult for me to even try to talk to you about the good you have. But, none the less, I bless you that you be able to find support of your family, community and friends. May you be blessed with only good and success in the very near future,