R. Naftali Tzvi Yehuda Berlin (known by his acronym, the Netziv) led the famed Volozhin yeshiva for almost forty years. He authored numerous works, including Ha’amek Davar, Ha’amek She’eilah, Meromei Sadeh, and a collection of halachic responsa titled Meishiv Davar.
Study a thought from the Netziv: Justice or Peace
See that I am giving to you today a blessing and a curse. (Deuteronomy 11:26)
Why “see?” Blessings and curses are not seen. They are heard or understood.
Rather, it means to see with a vision that is not swayed by the illusions of physical sensation.
It means to see beyond this moment now. Beyond the hard, prickly shell of your pain and sorrows. Beyond your restrictive concept of self. Beyond ego or expectation.
See with the spark of G‑d within you and you will discover the spark of divine light within each of your troubles.
Look yet deeper, and you will see within every challenge unimaginable blessings.
Even those things you take to be a curse—step back, close your eyes, and see deep within them G‑d's outstretched arm drawing you towards Him in embrace.