The Wine - Vinegar Option

During one of my trips abroad, I had the privilege of meeting an amazingly interesting military analyst who specializes in strategic studies for a para-governmental organization. He told me that he has a superb track record in second-guessing global conflicts and their outcomes. But as far as Israel goes, he sighs in frustration. "You gentlemen ruin my track record. Everything that happens over there defies all logic. It's not the natural course of events…"

So true. The Jewish People defy both nature and logic. The Gemara, Zohar, and our sages all confirm the fact that Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and their offspring are above the stars. 

Our beloved Rebbe Nachman of Breslev emphasized the importance of simple faith over intellect. In the words of our contemporary teacher Rav Shalom Arush, "If you believe in Hashem, you'll do His will – it's that simple." Continuing this line of thought, the Gemara illustrates that if we do Hashem's will, it doesn't matter what we do – we'll succeed! Unfortunately, the opposite is also painfully true.

The Gemara (tractate Berachot 5b) relates an account of Rav Huna's four hundred casks of wine which had turned into vinegar. On hearing of his misfortune, Rav Yehudah, the brother of the Holy Rav Salla, or, as some say, Rav Adda bar Ahavah, came and visited him, accompanied by the Rabbis. They said, "Let the master examine himself carefully."

"What!" said Rav Huna, "do you assume that I have been guilty of wrong-doing?"

"Shall we then," said the sages, "suspect the Holy One, blessed be He, of executing judgment without justice?"

Continue reading The Wine - Vinegar Option on this week's stimulating issue of Breslev Israel web magazine. 

In your time zone, it might still be Lag B'Omer. You can see how meaningful this day is, especially in regard to what's happening to us right now, in Soothing The National Pain.

Alsp this week:

Rabbi Shalom Arush: Hezekiah and Moshiach

Rabbi Avraham Greenbaum: The Empty Void, on Likutei Moharan I:64

Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach: Our Covenant from Sinai

Rivka Levy: Fakebook

Zev Ballen: Swerving Home

Racheli Reckles: Layers

Dovber HaLevi: Always in Season

Chaya Ovadia: The Teeter Totter

This week's Torah portion is Bamidbar.

We look forward to seeing all our friends across the USA during our 3-week speaking tour (4th week in the Ukraine), beginning June 12, 2011. We'll be all across the USA, from NYC to Chicago, Denver, Seattle, and LA. We'll also be hitting points from North to South, from Minneapolis, to Memphis, Oklahoma City, Miami, and Dallas. A big surprise awaits Monsey too. Details forthcoming soon, G-d willing.

Have a wonderful week!