Rabbi Asher Resnick

We initially addressed different types of nisyonot, what are their purposes and if everyone is given tests. We then discussed six purposes of nisyonot, followed by the nature of tests for tzadikim in contrast to those for “everyone.” The final two essays address how tests are essential for our growth and what it actually means... Read more »

We initially addressed different types of nisyonot, what are their purposes and if everyone is given tests. We then discussed six purposes of nisyonot. This essay explores the nature of tests for tzadikim in contrast to those for “everyone.” Three Mashalim (Analogies), Tests for Tzadikim (Righteous) Vs. Everyone Midrashim with the Three Mashalim Bereshit Rabba... Read more »

We previously addressed how to understand and deal with nisyonot (difficulties & challenges). This essay addresses six purposes of nisyonot. First — Nisyonot Actualize Potential The Gemara Menachot (53b) asks — “Why is Yisrael (the Jewish nation) compared to an olive? To tell you that, just like an olive gives forth its oil only through... Read more »

Introduction, Insights from the Akeidah, Understanding Nisyonot Introduction There are many important issues and questions to clarify with nisyonot (tests): Are there different types? What is their purpose or purposes? Is everyone given tests? Should we view them as positive or negative? Are they absolutely necessary for our growth and development? Is it really the... Read more »

I have prepared fifteen questions below to research and discuss the answers either before, during, or after the Seder. 1. The Mishnah in Pirkei Avot (6:2) declares — “There is no free person other than one who is immersed in the study of the Torah.” Isn’t the opposite true — i.e., that the study of... Read more »

Addressing the Tragedy of Those Who Pass Away Young A poignant Medrash (Medrash Raba — Shir HaShirim) addresses the tragedy of those who pass away young: Hashem comes down to take the shoshanim (literally roses, but understood here as tzadikim) from His orchard (Beit Knesset and Beit Medrash — Shul and Study Hall). Every single... Read more »

As painful as any death is, there is a much greater sense of tragedy when a young child passes away. This article presents classical Torah sources addressing how we should view and deal with this difficult and painful challenge. The Torah speaks about three different offerings — the animal offering (most expensive), the bird offering... Read more »

The classical Jewish understanding of G-d is that He is a Creator, Sustainer, and Supervisor. He created the entire world from absolutely nothing, He continually sustains its existence from that first instant and onward, and He supervises whatever occurs in the world. In sharp contrast to this traditional perspective is a well-known book on the... Read more »

Perhaps the first point to understand in terms of Judaism’s emotional perspective on yissurim is a halacha in Shulchan Aruch which states that it is considered to be cruelty if one doesn’t mourn properly when a close relative passes away (YD 294:6). One might have imagined, with all we have said until now in trying... Read more »

Three Essential Prerequisites First — Definition of Yissurim The Hebrew word yissurim deals with the classical theological and philosophical issue — “Why do bad things happen to good people?” and “Why do good things happen to bad people?”While yissurim is often translated as “suffering,” if we examine a verse in the Torah containing the word... Read more »

Pages By: Rabbi Asher Resnick

Understanding & Dealing with Life Challenges

Understanding and Dealing with Nisyonot — Part 3

Six Purposes of Nisyonot (Difficulties & Challenges) — Part 2

Understanding & Dealing with Nisyonot (Difficulties & Challenges) — Part 1

Questions on Passover and the Haggadah

The Meaning of a Life Tragically Cut Short – Part 2

The Meaning of a Life Tragically Cut Short – Part 1

Pain is a Reality, Suffering is a Choice Part 3 – G-d Runs the World

Emotionally Dealing with Painful Yissurim – Parts Four and Five

Pain Is a Reality, Suffering Is a Choice – Why Painful Things Happen to Good People

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