Photo Credit: Jewish Press
In our last article, we discussed how challenges serve to push us to realize our hidden potential and transform our potential into reality. Hashem already knows our true selves and what we can achieve; challenges help us discover our capabilities so we can actualize them. This week, we delve into a compelling concept found in a Midrash (cited by Rashi on Taanis 30b):
Following the sin of the spies, the Jews wandered in the desert for forty years, during which all the men aged 20 to 60 died before entering the Promised Land. The sin of the spies happened on Tisha B’Av, and on that day each year, these men would dig their own graves and sleep in them. Every year, 15,000 men wouldn’t wake up the next morning. (40×15,000 = 600,000).
This cycle continued for 39 years until a miraculous event unfolded in the 40th year: the last 15,000 men dug their graves, but all woke up the next day. Thinking they erred in the date, they repeated the ritual the following night. It wasn’t until the 15th of Av, confirmed by the full moon, that they realized Hashem had spared them. (See Taanis 30b. This is one reason for celebrating Tu B’Av.)
Why were these 15,000 men spared? What changed?
The answer lies in the profound idea that Hashem didn’t alter His decision; the men changed themselves. To overturn a decree requires teshuva and tefillah, which entail reshaping one’s innermost desires, thereby transforming oneself. Tefillah doesn’t sway Hashem but changes who we are; once we evolve into our higher selves, we transcend the negative decree. Teshuva is about returning to our true essence, not becoming someone different. Changing our will alters our reality.
For 39 years, as the men dug their graves, each believed it wouldn’t be them who wouldn’t wake up the next day. The last year, with only 15,000 left, they couldn’t deny the possibility. They knew they had to change fundamentally through complete repentance to survive. Their fervent tefillah that night was unlike any before, reflecting their profound transformation.
This narrative echoes a military principle: never corner your enemy completely, as it intensifies their resistance. Similarly, challenges prompt us to fight for our growth with unwavering determination.
Proactive vs. Reactive
Instead of waiting for challenges, strive for self-improvement proactively like Avraham Avinu. After conquering ten challenges, Avraham humbly declared, “I am but dust and ashes” (Bereishis 18:27), symbolizing his daily renewal. Avraham constantly reinvented himself, breaking down and reconstructing his character traits to achieve spiritual growth. He didn’t settle for comfort but embraced challenges to reach his fullest potential.
In our next discussion, we’ll delve deeper into the purpose of challenges. Remember, challenges are disguised opportunities; seize them to avoid wasting your potential.