Proud to be Tested | Rabbi David Sutton

I would like to share with you a beautiful piece from R’ Yerucham Levovitz in his Sefer דעת תורה, on Devarim. This letter was written during the time of the גזירות, the decrees against Shechitah, slaughtering, in Poland. And R’ Yerucham said his first reaction was, This is terrible. And he was down to the point, he said he got physically ill over it. But then he said he took a retake, and he said: You know what? This is really a sign of greatness. He says: We look back at the Spanish Inquisition, we’re jealous of these people. They died על קידוש השם, they were heroes. Of course, it wasn't easy when they went through it, but it was a great, great accomplishment. The fact, he says, that we're being attacked and tested all these generations, that one small little nation is being hounded by the whole world, that testifies to our greatness. That's almost shame on them. You're picking on this little kid in the schoolyard. And he says that we have to understand and appreciate the great opportunities of a test. We don't ask for a test. He says: But it's a great opportunity. And he gives the following beautiful Mashal. Soldiers like war. Why do soldiers like war? War is dangerous. War is a time where our lives are at risk. And the answer is, Because as long as we're in a time of peace, soldiers don't go up in the ranks. They remain where they are. In wartime, you can earn a Purple Heart, you can earn a badge of courage, because you went and you risked your life for the nation. And therefore, he says, whenever we have a test, that's a time to be proud and say: Wow, God chose me. God appreciates me. God thinks I can reach greatness. I would like to read to you what he says in his words. We have to feel tremendous pride, that they have given us such great tests. This is definitely our glory. Who brought all these tests? Who brought all of these things that we’re supposed to guard our eyes from? HaKadosh Baruch Hu brought them to us. These are not random, happenstance situations. And that means if we've been thrown into this war, we can rise in ranks. This is our glory, this is our greatness, this is our pride. So rather than look at it as this is something to be sad about and down about and depressed about, No. This is like we see today in wars in Israel, where before they go out to battle, they're singing, they're dancing with Sifrei Torah. They're going out there like Rabbi Akiva says, I'm waiting for this day. I'm waiting for the day that I can show that I am a loyal soldier, and I want to protect my country. And that's what we are every single day, when we go out on the streets. We're soldiers going out to war. And we might go out as a private and come back as a general.