Advice for Coping

Many people have been asking me how to cope with the latest wave of media-and-politician fueled incitement against the entire observant population here in Israel. Instead of answering, I sought the advice of a gadol, a spiritual leader of the highest stature, and here's what he writes:

Wednesday, Parashat Vayichi

"My son, be wise and realize that everything that happens to a person in the days of his short mortal lifespan is all for the very best; understand that Ecclesiastes was so right when he said everything is vanity. Our forefathers went through similar tribulations and much worse throughout the Diaspora, but it all serves as a test of our faith and a test of our free choice, whether we'll cling to Hashem in emuna and serve him happily or not. We must strengthen ourselves with emuna that even the outcome of this will be completely good, that it should bring us all to truth and closer to Hashem. My son, remember the Creator in times of trouble as well as in the good times, for everything is for the best and life is Heaven on earth when you understand that. Don't forget Who runs the world, and just grab as much Torah, mitzvoth, and hitbodedut as you can, particularly in these difficult days. I have so much more to tell you but time is limited..."

What great advice. Guess who wrote it: Rebbe Natan of Breslev, exactly 181 years ago to the day. How badly we need his advice!

Rebbe Natan, the prime disciple of Rebbe Nachman, is my hero and role model. He left this earth exactly 167 years ago on the 10th of Teveth, 5605 (1845). May his blessed and saintly memory intercede in our behalf, amen.