Human Nature

The Rabbis teach us that human nature is such that many points that should be obvious, are not. Therefore, they must be repeated over and over again, so that the obvious is not forgotten.

An example of what should be obvious is a statement made by the Rabbis that says, אין אדם מורד בהקב״ה אלא מתוך שביעה, “An individual only rebels against Hashem, when he is filled up.”

This means that the most likely time that a person will forget G-d, is when he feels that he has all of the material pleasure that he needs. Since everything is going so well, he foolishly believes that this abundance comes from the work of his hands. He has no need to pray or rely on Hashem, for he doesn’t need Him.

One must avoid this pitfall and not be one who only turns to G-d in time of need. Such a person will have a more difficult time finding favor in the Al-mighty. He will have to rectify the situation of the times when he abandoned Him.

We are witnessing this situation in the Diaspora today. The global rise of anti-Semitism, is removing that sense of complacency and smugness that has existed for many decades. Many Jews “went through the motions” of religious observance, but felt much too comfortable and sure of themselves. They had plenty of money, beautiful houses and cars, and all of the comforts that one could only dream of.

Now, reality has set in. The “welcome mat” for Jews in many countries of the world, is not as welcoming as before. Jews are learning the hard way that this false sense of security, is truly false. Now that the smugness and complacency is removed, Jews will this obvious lesson, and realize that we have no choice but to rely on the G-d of Israel.