Small tidbits and Sparks of wisdom

“Following the Holocaust, I heard the pious genius, Rabbi Mordechai Pagremansky of blessed memory, say:

‘Over the course of the Holocaust, the Jewish People endured the test which challenged their love of Gd “with all of your soul” (Deuteronomy 6:5). Would they be able to accept that it is the will of Gd that they be killed for nothing more than being Jews?

Afterwards, the challenge will be on the next part of the verse: [and you shall love Gd] “with all of your resources.” The generations which will follow the Holocaust will be tested to see if they honor Gd with their wealth.

Just as in Egypt: at first the Jewish people were subject to unspeakable affliction and servitude, yet ultimately, they left with great riches. As our Sages teach: Not one Jew had less than ninety Libyan donkeys, which were laden with the gold and silver [reclaimed] from Egypt (Talmud, Bechoroth 5b).

Likewise, after the inferno of the Holocaust, the Jewish nation will experience an era of material prosperity. Hashem will grant the Jews a disproportionate quantity of wealthy individuals.’

“I asked him what he meant. He replied:

‘I’m not talking about just millionaires. I’m talking about billionaires! There will be numerous Jewish billionaires, an era of wealth which the Jewish people has not experienced in all the years of our exiles.

And the purpose for this affluence is to test the mettle of those so blessed. Will they give generously, out of love of Gd, and happy that they were chosen as Gd’s emissary to disburse of their wealth to the poor, and to the many organizations which teach Torah, or which proffer assistance to those who need help.’

“This is a formidable challenge, comparable to the previous test. As the Talmud explains:

‘There are those for whom giving up their lives for love of Gd is a greater challenge, and those for whom giving up their assets for the love of Gd is a greater challenge.’

That is why the verse needs to spell out both “with all of your soul,” and “with all of your resources” (Berachoth 61b).

“These are the two crucibles of the love of Gd for the last generations before the arrival of the Messiah.

First: ‘With all of your soul.’

Finally: ‘With all of your resources.’

Fortunate is he who can stand strong and pass the test!”