Why Does Trouble Exist? Insights from the Other Side

The esteemed and dedicated Rebbetzin Greenfeld was gravely ill. When it became clear that her days were numbered, those around her asked that when she reached the heavenly court, she inquire why there are such troubles in this world, even as the Jewish people continually strive to strengthen their faith. They asked her to return with an answer for one of the community members.
About six months later, she appeared in a dream to a woman who had no idea about this request. In the dream, the Rebbetzin looked radiant and beautiful, and she told the woman that in heaven, they are waiting for two things: first, that people have the proper intention during Kaddish to honor the divine, and second, that people refrain from talking during prayer services in the synagogue, as this is taken very seriously in heaven.

On a recent Sunday, a man from the Ramat Shlomo neighborhood in Jerusalem shared this story: "On Shabbat, a widow who had lost her husband, Rabbi Yitzchak, to a serious illness, visited my home. She recounted a dream she had about a month after his passing. In the dream, she told him, 'Yitzchak, you're laughing up there, and all the troubles have stayed down here.' He replied that nothing can be done in heaven to sweeten the judgment because people talk during prayer. Nothing can be changed because they don't overlook this issue of talking during services."

From this, we need to learn the importance of being cautious with our speech during prayer.

The Chofetz Chaim explains that in heaven, individuals are judged harshly for sins committed in public, even if they are minor transgressions, because it shows disrespect for the Torah and its commandments. Therefore, it is treated as if it were a major sin.

This is especially true when one enters the house of the King, the Beit Midrash, Hashem's house, and behaves as they please, such as talking during prayer. It is understandable that Hashem would be angry if people treat His house as their own, much like how a homeowner would be upset with a stranger doing whatever they wanted in their private home.

This is especially crucial concerning Hashem, to whom we owe so much; He grants us all our goodness, and everything we have comes from Him. Therefore, to come into His house and act against His will is sheer ingratitude.

From the pamphlet "Honor of the House of the Lord" by Rabbi Meir Michael Greenwald