- Sections
- Ein Ayah
Ein Ayah: It is not spiritually advantageous to negate natural feelings to the point that one does not distinguish between good and bad or care about his personal welfare. Rather a person should realize that life, riches, and honor are pleasant and good and that being lacking in the basics of life is a problem that is not to be belittled. However, one should have a stronger recognition that Hashem’s providence is good and fair, and one should be willing to accept it no matter the circumstances. Thus, while feeling the pain of loss, one should be happy to accept that which Hashem dealt him in life. The different texts of the blessings capture the different feelings appropriate for good and bad tidings. However, the more important attitude while reciting blessings should be the same for the different types.
One with the wrong attitude is apt to disagree with that which Hashem did and ignore the value that exists, at least for the collective, in the action that caused an individual pain. The first source, therefore, stresses that one should praise Hashem and show that he accepts what Hashem has done and realize that good will come from it.
A higher level is not only to acknowledge the propriety of Hashem’s actions but to feel the need to personally react with happiness to the situation. He does not praise the specific event but sings out from the depths of his heart for the opportunity to have a relationship with Hashem and be involved in Hashem’s master plan described in the second source. He is not only understanding of the need to sacrifice his personal welfare for the needs of the collective but is happy that he has the opportunity to attach his personal life to that of the collective.
An even higher level is to not only look at the individual event, whether it be a joyous one or a tragic one, in the proper light but to use the opportunity to contemplate his relationship with Hashem. This can be done in two ways: one is to contemplate his personal relationship, and this is a positive thing. The higher level, though, is to contemplate the relationship within the broadest perspective, in relation to life in general and to the collective. This is the calling out in the Name of Hashem to which the third source relates.
The highest of all levels is to not just be inspired by a particular event to focus on Hashem but to make understanding the ways of Hashem his life’s goal. This is referred to by the fourth source, of blessing Hashem’s Name, which relates to all the glory of Hashem’s actions in the world. He will cling to them with a pure love of one who has removed all evil from himself and is dedicated to elevate the kingdom of Hashem, King of the Universe.
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