Searching For Hashem

“… Wherever I permit My Name to be mentioned I shall come to you and bless you” (Shemos 20:21).

This pasuk is teaching us that we are here in this world to seek Hashem. Here is where He can be found, and where we have the opportunity to speak with Him in learning and prayer. When we fulfill the mitzvos and we express our gratitude to Hashem we do so with familiarity, i.e., “blessed are You.” We are also given the privilege to ask Hashem for forgiveness for our sins. We are empowered to achieve the highest level of spirituality.

In the next world, however, this is no longer possible, as our sages tell us “Once a person dies, he becomes free from the mitzvos” (Shabbos 151b). The Medrash Rabbah says that this world is compared to erev Shabbos and the next world is compared to Shabbos. If one doesn’t prepare on erev Shabbos, he will have nothing for Shabbos, i.e. one can no longer rectify any wrongs in the world-to-come.

It is analogous to a king who had disguised himself, and the individual accompanying him did not know it was the king. When he later discovered his true identity, the man began to cry. Similarly, man will be disappointed when he realizes that Hashem is no longer in such close proximity as He was in this world.

The Chofetz Chaim related that an innkeeper had been incriminated in court and he feared imprisonment. One of his close friends suggested that he go to the king, a just and compassionate individual, who would surely have mercy on him and exonerate him. The king would often dress in simple clothes and travel throughout his kingdom to observe the loyalty of his citizens. One day the king came to the town where the innkeeper lived, but no one recognized him. It was only after the king had left, that it was discovered he had been there.

The innkeeper was devastated and began to cry bitterly. “Woe is to me. My future looks very dim. The good and charitable king was in my home and I didn’t know. I could have prostrated myself before him and asked for forgiveness. It is not possible for me to go to his palace, and the thousands of soldiers that guard him at the palace will never allow me in to see him.”

The Chofetz Chaim explains the King of kings is always here. Even if the individual has sinned, and he has corrupted his ways, he can always ask Hashem for forgiveness, and He will draw the person close, as it says “Hashem is near to all who call Him, to all who call Him with sincerity” (Tehillim 145:18).

However, it is only in this world of action that we can serve Hashem, and rectify that which needs to be corrected for Hashem is always there to help us, as our sages tell us, “If one comes to purify Hashem will help him” (Yuma 38b). The Imrei Emes comments that taking the initiative to come to be purified and draw closer to Hashem demonstrates that the person has Divine Assistance.

In his later years the tzaddik R’ Avraham Abba – known as the Pittsburgher Rebbe because of the years he had spent in America – moved to Ashdod. There he was a major force to revolutionize Torah study and the performance of mitzvos in the city. He had many admirers who supported his institutions, and throughout his life those who had lived through the Holocaust as he had held a special place in his heart.

One day a person of substantial means came to visit the tzaddik. Plans were being drawn up to build a new yeshiva with a dormitory, and the philanthropist wanted to donate the funds needed for the project. However, he had one stipulation. He wanted the Rebbe to share with him his portion in Gan Eden and to ensure that they would be in Gan Eden together.

Upon hearing the request, the Rebbe closed his eyes, put his head into his hands, and became steeped in thought as he considered the request. After a number of minutes, R’ Avraham Abba lifted his head and said: There is no question that I am willing to share with you the Torah that I have learned in fulfillment of the pasuk “Rejoice Zevulun in your departure, and Yissachar in your tents” (Devarim 33:18). However, as you know, our sages tell us that those who self-sacrifice to sanctify the Name of Hashem, which includes every Holocaust survivor, are more exalted than other Yidden. I therefore cannot promise that you will be together with me in olam haba.”

Editor’s Note: Rabbi Goldwasser is currently completing a new anthology of the divrei Torah of the Zera Shimshon, entitled: The Zera Shimshon on Galus and Geulah. The book contains a compilation of the Zera Shimshon’s Torah thoughts specifically on the topic of exile and redemption, and each chapter includes soul-stirring stories and insights.

For the past five years, Rabbi Goldwasser has been giving a daily shiur on the Zera Shimshon on a number of platforms that reach thousands of participants. His shiurim create a daily unparalleled united learning experience with like-minded individuals committed to delving into the secrets of the Zera Shimshon. In the preface to his writings, the Zera Shimshon (Rabbi Shimshon Chaim ben Rabbi Nachman Michal Nachmani) beseeches people to study his books and he promises that those who do so will be granted family, life, wealth and honor in that merit.

Dedication opportunities for the sefer are currently available for those seeking a zechus and bracha – whether for shidduchim, refuah, parnassah, children, shalom bayis, etc. Monies can be Zelled to 718-954-4343, or sent by mail to Rabbi Goldwasser, 1336 E. 21 Street, Brooklyn, NY 11210.

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