What Do We Do When the World Is Against Us? A Rabbi from 800 Years Ago Explains

The Daily Quote

"We are warned here that if a person sees that trouble is near, let Hashem's salvation be in his heart and trust in it, as it is said (Psalms 85:10), 'Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him,' and it is written (Isaiah 51:12), 'Who are you that you should be afraid of a man who shall die?'"

Source: Rabbeinu Yonah of Gerona, Sha'arei Teshuva, Part Three.

Meaning of the Quote

Rabbeinu Yonah discusses faith and trust in Hashem during times of trouble and distress. In his book "Sha'arei Teshuva," he presents the verse from Deuteronomy (20:1): "When you go to war against your enemies and see horses and chariots, a people more numerous than you, do not fear them," explaining that the verse warns a person not to fear approaching trouble but to trust in Hashem's salvation.

Rabbeinu Yonah emphasizes that a person must wholly believe that Hashem will save them, even when the situation appears dire and threatening. He bases his teachings on the verse from Psalms: "Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him," indicating that salvation is always near to those who fear Hashem, those who believe and trust in Him. Additionally, he brings the verse from Isaiah: "Who are you that you should be afraid of a man who shall die," which reminds us not to fear a mortal man, as ultimately, man will die and salvation will come from Hashem.

Rabbeinu Yonah further explains that if a person sees trouble coming, they should remember that Hashem is near them and that salvation will come from Him. These verses teach us an important lesson in trust and faith: when facing difficulties and challenges, we must place our trust in Hashem and believe that He will save us.

In this statement, Rabbeinu Yonah delivers an important message for our generation, Israel in the year 5784-2024, when the security situation is more threatening than ever, and the enemies of Israel strive to harm us: we must not fear or panic in distressing situations, but always remember that Hashem is with us and that salvation from Him is near. Faith in Hashem is an essential tool in coping with life's daily challenges, ensuring we can overcome them safely.

Rabbeinu Yonah's words remind us of the importance of faith and trust in Hashem in every situation and strengthen our hearts in difficult times. In simple terms, the message is: when we are in distress, we must believe and pray that Hashem will save us, and this will grant us the strength and courage to face the challenges.

A Few Words About the Author

Rabbeinu Yonah of Gerona was a rabbi from the period of the Rishonim, known for his sharpness and great scholarly prowess in the world of Talmud. He wrote a general book of ethics called "Sha'arei Tzedek," most of which was lost, and what remains is the book "Sha'arei Teshuva," a commentary on the Book of Proverbs, and a commentary on Tractate Avot.