The founder of Chasidism, Rabbi Yisrael Ba’al Shem Tov, taught that these 42 journeys correspond to the 42 spiritual journeys that we make throughout our lives. We begin from birth, just as the Exodus from Egypt is the Jewish people’s national birth. The final journey is to the spiritual Promised Land, the life that awaits us in the afterlife.
Although some of the intervening journeys in the Jewish people’s trek through the desert were accompanied by setbacks, all the stations on our spiritual journey through life are meant to be holy and positive. If we choose good over evil, we will indeed live through these phases of life in the way G‑d intends. If, like the Jewish people in the desert, we make some wrong choices, we will experience them as temporary setbacks. Although at every step in the journey of life, we strive to make the right choices, we should also recognize that even setbacks can be transformed into positive, growth experiences.1
Good 🌻 Morning!
The great classical conductor Arturo Toscanini knows when a musician in his vast diverse orchestra plays a wrong, or missed a note. He sternly yet elegantly looks towards the musician, he does not stop the performance, adjustments are made, and the performance continues.The composition is exquisite, and the audience gives the finale a roaring standing ovation!
Throughout the Torah we see that many of our ancestors were imperfectly perfect. As we reflect on our own life's journey, the many challenges and subsequent failures, we are very disappointed with ourselves; we should have known better. But; if we keep going and don't give up, repent and do Teshuvah, GD's Loving Kindness promises that our latter days will be better than our former days. The Torah gives us the promises of hope, restoration, renewal, growth, and Heaven will give "us" a Lovingly Roaring Standing Ovation!
"Set-backs are Set-ups for a Comeback!"
Baruch HaShem,
🕊💜
Thank you.