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A man once came to Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov
with a question: “The Talmud tells us that one is to ‘bless
G-d for the bad just as he blesses Him for the good.’ How
is this humanly possible? Had our sages said that one must
accept without complaint or bitterness whatever is ordained
from Heaven - this I can understand. I can even accept that,
ultimately, everything is for the good, and that we are to
bless and thank G-d also for the seemingly negative developments
in our lives. But how can a human being possibly react to
what he experiences as bad in exactly the same way he responds
to the perceptibly good? How can a person be as grateful for
his troubles as he is for his joys?''
The Baal Shem Tov replied: “To find an answer to your question,
you must go see my disciple, Reb Zusha of Anipoli. Only he
can help you in this matter.”
Reb Zusha received his guest warmly, and invited him to make
himself at home. The visitor decided to observe Reb Zusha's
conduct before posing his question, and before long concluded
that his host truly exemplified the talmudic dictum which
so puzzled him. He couldn't think of anyone who suffered more
hardship in his life than did Reb Zusha. A frightful pauper,
there was never enough to eat in Reb Zusha's home, and his
family was beset with all sorts of afflictions and illnesses.
Yet the man was forever good-humored and cheerful, and constantly
expressing his gratitude to the Almighty for all His kindness.
But what was is his secret? How does he do it? The visitor
finally decided to pose his question.
So one day, he said to his host: “I wish to ask you something.
In fact, this is the purpose of my visit to you - our Rebbe
advised me that you can provide me with the answer.”
“What is your question?” asked Reb Zusha.
The visitor repeated what he had asked of the Baal Shem Tov.
“You know,” said Reb Zusha, “come to think of it, you raise
a good point. But why did the Rebbe send you to me? How would
I know? He should have sent you to someone who has experienced
suffering...”
Told by the Rebbe, Tammuz 26 5722 (July 29 1962)
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