Test of Faith: Should You Remove the Kippah to Find Your Match?

Once, after one of my lectures in Netanya, two young men wearing kippahs approached me. They said they were strengthening their faith here in the city but had a question. Since it's hard to find their match in the city because most girls aren't willing to accept them with kippot, they wondered if they should remove the kippah until they find a match...

I told them, 'Listen, my friends. Do you believe in Hashem?' They responded, 'Of course.' So I continued, 'My advice is to offer your proposal to Hashem. Enter the synagogue, and during the Torah reading, present your proposal to Hashem, saying: 'Master of the Universe, we see finding our match is difficult. So we have a way to help You hasten it – we'll take off the kippah, thus assisting You, Master of the Universe, in finding us a match...'

Immediately, the young men felt ashamed and understood their mistake.

How can a believer, someone who trusts that everything is from the Creator, try to hasten their salvation in a way that goes against the will of the Creator? You believe that everything is from Him, right? So why suggest a plan for your benefit that contradicts His will? How could you think that He would fulfill your wish in a way where you've chosen to rebel against Him?

Indeed, those who deceive others are gravely mistaken: 'What will deception give you, and what will it add?' After all, what is destined for you, you'll receive anyway, and what is not, you'll never have. If you think you're profiting through deception, you're in great danger. It is a test from heaven to think your wrongful path is successful, and you must be concerned that it may distance you from Hashem.

In truth, one cannot benefit from what was gained through deceit, since it's not theirs. It's known that illicit money not only vanishes but can also harm genuine wealth, as stated by the Sages.

According to the principle of trust in Hashem, it's essential to know that it is linked with faith in divine providence. Understanding this, you'll realize that when circumstances prevent you from engaging in Torah or prayer, it's due to divine intention. One should serve Hashem in different ways when necessary, and not be distressed, as Hashem desires service through all manners.

The Testament of the Rivash (section 3) indicates that everything is a divine need, suggesting that Hashem wants to be served in all ways. Therefore, if circumstances detour you to converse or travel with others, it's divine service to engage in those manners. Thus, there is no need to be sorrowful, as Hashem desires to be served in various ways. Reflecting on this can strengthen one's heart at all times and prevent despair. (Based on 'Consolation')

This article is taken from the book 'Chai B’Emunah.' To purchase Rabbi Yaakov Yisrael Lugasi's book, click here.