D'var Torah: "Rabbi Yehudah ben Shimon said: Yitzchak requested hardship. He prayed, 'Master of the universe, when a person dies without bearing trouble, the attribute of justice is stretched out against him; but if You bring him distress, the attribute of judgment will not be stretched out against him.' HaShem responded, 'You have made a worthy request, and I will begin with you.' Hardship is not mentioned from the beginning of the Torah until Yitzchak's request: 'And it came to pass that when Yitzchak was elderly, his eyesight grew dim' (Bereishis 27:1). Yitzchak Avinu was a "pure offering" -- one of our three patriarchs who were unique in their elevated level of holiness and wisdom. Nevertheless, Yitzchak feared that unless he experienced hardship in this world to atone for his sins, he would be subject to judgments in the World to Come.
Moral: Yitzchak's request for adversity brings solace to all those who bear distress. Yitzchak required suffering to atone for his sins. So too, the afflictions of this world, cleanse our sins and spares us from suffering in the World to Come.
Application:Reflect on the concept that all hardship brings forgiveness, compassion, and healing. Be comforted in knowing that hardship purifies us and ensures our eternal share in the eternal World to Come.
(Based on Ohr RaShaz of the Saba Kadisha of Kelm)
