1. The Purpose of Divine Tests in the Parasha
This week’s parasha, Re’eh, discusses the concept of divine testing. Drawing from the teachings of the Alter Rebbe in Lekutei Torah—a collection of discourses by Schneur Zalman of Liadi—we explore why Hashem tests us. The Torah portion for Tuesday (Shlishi) in chapter 13 describes a scenario where a false prophet or dreamer provides signs and wonders, even offering proof to persuade people to serve other gods. The Torah warns: do not listen to such a prophet or dreamer, for “Hashem your God is testing you, to know whether you love Hashem your God with all your heart and all your soul.” At first glance, this verse seems to suggest that Hashem is uncertain about our loyalty and therefore tests us to find out our true intentions. This raises a theological question: since Hashem knows everything beforehand, why would He need to test us at all? Is it possible that without the test, Hashem wouldn’t know if we truly love Him?2. Classic Commentaries: Ramban and the Alter Rebbe
The Ramban addresses this issue by explaining that while Hashem indeed knows what is in our hearts, He wishes to grant us reward for our actions rather than just our intentions. If we are never tested, we can only be rewarded for good thoughts or feelings. However, when we are confronted with a challenge and actively choose the right path, we earn reward for our deeds. The Alter Rebbe challenges this explanation by focusing on the wording of the verse: “to know.” It doesn’t say “to reward” but rather “to know,” implying something deeper than simply providing an opportunity for reward. The Alter Rebbe’s discourse delves into what it truly means for Hashem to “know” through testing.3. The Descent of the Soul and Hiddenness of Godliness
The Alter Rebbe begins by examining the journey of the soul before it enters this world. Before descending into a body, every soul stands before Hashem in a higher realm where godliness is openly revealed and appreciated. Upon entering this world—through Briah, Yetzirah, and Asiyah—the soul finds itself in a place where Hashem’s presence is hidden (hester panim—concealment of His face). This concealment creates distance from divine light and is precisely what allows for tests and challenges in life. These difficulties—whether health issues, family struggles, or financial concerns—are not random but are designed as opportunities for growth. Knowing that these challenges are purposeful helps us cope with them more effectively.4. The Nature and Source of Tests
Tests arise when Hashem hides His presence, creating obstacles both internal (such as health) and external (such as finances or relationships). Often, those striving to come close to Hashem encounter more difficulties than those who act wickedly yet seem successful. This paradox is highlighted by the Torah’s description of false prophets who provide convincing signs yet lead people astray. The success of evildoers can be disheartening; they may claim their achievements are due solely to their own power (yadeinu ramah—“our hand is raised”), denying any connection to Hashem. Yet even these situations are orchestrated by Hashem as part of His hidden plan.5. Overcoming Tests: Attaining True Knowledge (Das)
Why does Hashem give us these nisyonot—tests? When we overcome them, we reach a higher level called das—mindful knowledge or deep awareness. The verse says not that Hashem will know about us but that we will attain das: a vivid certainty about Hashem’s reality akin to knowing one is alive. Just as we don’t see our soul but are certain we are alive because we experience vitality in our bodies, so too can one achieve absolute certainty about Hashem’s presence through overcoming tests. This level of awareness transforms faith into experiential knowledge.6. Hidden Sparks: Finding Godliness Within Challenges
Even though tests stem from divine concealment, within each challenge lies a hidden spark of godliness—a source of life-force from an extremely high spiritual place. This concept is illustrated by King David’s response when cursed by Shimei ben Gera: David recognized that even insults could only occur if permitted by Hashem. Similarly, during exile (galut), the Shekhinah—the Divine Presence—accompanies Israel into Babylon (Bavel). The spiritual power behind any hardship comes from a spark of holiness embedded within it; nothing happens independently of Hashem’s will. A classic parable explains that when a wall falls down, the stone that was highest falls farthest—so too do sparks from very high spiritual levels descend into the lowest places (our greatest challenges).7. Revealing Light Through Struggle and Reflection
When one withstands a test and overcomes obstacles, they tear away at the veils concealing divine light—revealing godliness previously hidden within the challenge itself. This revelation brings new energy and understanding into one’s soul. This process parallels how food sustains us: it isn’t merely physical nutrients but rather the divine spark within food (moitzei pi Hashem—“from the mouth of God”) that gives life. However, tests contain an even higher spark than food because their source descends from an even loftier place. Not all sparks can be elevated—for example, non-kosher food contains sparks too deeply trapped to be uplifted through human action.8. Following After God: The Meaning of Concealment
The phrase Akharei Hashem Elokeichem telechu—“After Hashem your God you shall go”—is interpreted by the Alter Rebbe as following after God even when He shows only His “back,” i.e., during times of concealment (hester panim). Like a father hiding from his child so that the child will seek him out, so too does Hashem hide so that we will search more deeply for Him. If one gives up searching during times of difficulty—mistaking concealment for abandonment—they miss out on discovering profound godliness hidden within adversity. To truly benefit from these experiences requires effort: meditation and reflection help transform intellectual understanding into heartfelt awareness (das). Each person must use their unique capacity for contemplation to expand their appreciation for Hashem’s greatness.9. Creation Ex Nihilo: Understanding Our World’s Reality
Reflecting further on creation itself helps deepen this awareness. In Chassidic terminology, creation is described as yesh me’ayin—something from nothing—which means everything exists only because Hashem constantly recreates it through His attribute of malchus—kingship. Paradoxically, while we call this world “something” created from “nothing,” in truth only Hashem is real existence (yesh amiti). Everything else depends entirely on Him and derives its existence through malchus, which is just a ray compared to His infinite essence (ein sof). Only through Torah study and mitzvot can Jews connect directly with levels higher than malchus—even reaching up toward keser (crown) and beyond. Recognizing that worldly pursuits are merely “behind” or secondary compared to true divinity leads one toward greater love for Hashem.10. Practical Takeaway: Transforming Tests Into Growth Opportunities
In summary, whenever we face hardships or challenges in life—whether personal struggles or broader difficulties—we should remember they contain hidden sparks from very high spiritual sources meant to help us grow stronger in our connection with Hashem. Rather than running away or despairing when faced with concealment or adversity, we should see each test as an opportunity—a springboard—to reach greater heights in faith and understanding. By seeking out godliness even when it seems hidden, reflecting deeply on its presence within every aspect of creation, and using each challenge as fuel for spiritual growth, we fulfill our purpose and draw ever closer to true knowledge—and love—of Hashem.This approach not only strengthens our resilience but also transforms every difficulty into an opportunity for profound spiritual advancement.
If something upsets you or brings you down, remembering these teachings can help you cope—and even thrive—in your journey toward closeness with God.