Suffering

B”H Excerpts from An Anthology of the Gaon by

Rabbi Moshe Zuriel {Tzuriel}

A Selection of sayings of the Vilna Gaon regarding beliefs, extracted from most of the writings of his disciples, of those faithful to him, and from some of his own writings.

This Anthology is Not Appropriate For Non-Jewish
Souls. Instead Press On: Miracles of the Gulf War

Suffering

”When the good becomes abundant , he will kick out at his Creator and lessen his trust upon Him, as the verse says: va-yishman yeshurun va-yiv`at – ‘But Yeshurun grew fat and kicked’. On the contrary, it is better for a person to undergo a little suffering in this world, for the suffering will bring him closer to His worship – and this is what was meant by tsarot levavi hirhivu… ‘troubles have broadened my heart’ – to Ruth 1/19.

”Ki eth asher yohav Ha-Shem yokhiah, ukh’av eth ben yirtse ‘for Ha-Shem reproves him who He loves, and as a father He desires His son’ (Proverbs 3/12) – for it is accepted for a father to chastise his son only, whereas if his (the father’s) friend does not accept his reproof, he lets him go his own way to wherever he desires” – to Proverbs 3/12.

 

Translated for the spiritual elevation of Tzivia daughter of Dovid in the world to come. This translation was by more than one person and over a long period of time, therefore minor variations in translating styles appear here

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Links to some of the other articles on this web site that portray the Gaon’s views:
* Monotheism Vs. The Outlook That Everything is G-d, by Mr. S. M. Scheinman which provides some background to the Gaon’s monotheistic beliefs.
* Divine Assistance 

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Those that don’t tie their own Tzitzit – Beware!