On Sunday night, July 7, the Let’s Get Real with Coach Menachem virtual show featured Rabbi Heshy Kleinman, author of the Praying with Fire series and a new book, Living With Hashgachah Pratis.
First, Coach Menachem Bernfeld spoke. He said that the reason we are here in this world is to serve Hashem. Every step of the way, Hashem is there for us, holding our hand. No matter where we are, it is where Hashem put us.
Next, Rabbi Kleinman spoke. He shared that “Hashgachah pratis is not just a rationale. It’s a reality.” The message is that we need to be more aware of the fact that every aspect of life, including the world stage and our personal life, is orchestrated by Hashem. We are living in the time of the birth pangs of Mashiach. The Mishnah teaches signs and events that will happen during this time. One example is inflation.
Rav Moshe Feinstein zt”l wrote that klal Yisrael will go through hard times, but if we heed the words to rely on G-d, then hashgachah will come right away.
He shared the analogy that just as a child knows his connection to his parents and grandparents is real, so we should feel that our reliance and connection to Hashem is real. “We can bring the g’ulah. It’s up to us.”
He rattled off a list of difficulties we have lived through, including 9/11, The Great Recession, Covid, October 7. He shared the idea that what appears to be our greatest misfortune can be our greatest blessing. He then shared some stories that illustrated this point.
Rav Yaakov Kamenetsky zt”l was offered a position in one of the top yeshivos in Lithuania. Then, the offer was rescinded. His wife cried. This led to Rav Yaakov coming to America and all the amazing things he did here for klal Yisrael.
Rabbi Kleinman related that “Each Jew has tremendous value. Each of us is a tzelem Elokim.
He pointed out how stars appear like small dots in the distance, but up close we see they are large shining creations. Someone who teaches little children is formulating who these children will become. Hashem knows that we are all potential stars.
It doesn’t matter who you were or where you are. We all can overcome challenges and become great. Time heals. Hashem sees that we want to purify ourselves.
He quoted the famous quote that a tzadik falls seven times and he gets back up.
We need to be aware that everything is hashgachah. Whatever happens, we have to give hakaras ha’tov to Hashem even when things don’t go our way.
Hashem is planting solutions in the ground like a seed that is destroyed underground first before it blossoms into a tree or plant.
He shared the analogy of a tapestry with life. We see the side with all the rough threads and chaos with no order. The other side is harmonious with coherence, purpose, and beauty.
Everything that happens in the world is a message for us that Hashem is orchestrating everything. Knowing this can make our lives more serene. He added that we may not see the y’shuah this moment, but we know it will come. Think of Purim and Pesach.
He suggested keeping a journal of hashgachah events. This is the best way to elevate ourselves. To reach the stars, you go up a ladder one step at a time.
He pointed out how David HaMelech was able to see yad Hashem even when bad things happened. Hashem wants us to do t’shuvah and know He is with us.
Hashem created everything for us. The Mishnah in Sanhedrin teaches that Hashem renews creation every day.
by Susie Garber
