In the Torah portion of Parshat Ki Tisa we read about the sin of the golden calf.
How was it possible that after all the miracles that the Jews witnessed, like the manna from heaven, the splitting of the sea and having heard the voice of G-d at Sinai, could they create a Golden Calf and turn to idolatry? It seemed that any likelihood of such a thing happening was most certainly out of the question. Nobody would believe that a People so religiously convinced could make such a turn around.
But time and again this is the story of human history, the most unexpected, the unthinkable DOES happen.
And but when that does happen, what should we make of it?
Well, once in the throes of dismal failure and disappointment, we can suddenly realize a new dimension that was impossible before. The Talmud explains the inexplicable about the golden calf that it was to give an opportunity to do Teshuva. G-d allowed this to come to bring awareness for future generations that one should never give up the belief that change and repentance is still possible.
Sometimes great unexpected tragedy occurs (G-d forbid), for it serves as an instrument later in creating within us a drive to do something that would truly change our lives. Somehow we could never have come to this thru normal circumstances.
G-d gives us difficult challenges that at the time make no sense. We search in vain only to realize later that this propelled us to a new level in achieving something we would other wise never do.
As the Rebbe says, "We have the power to transform pain into action and tears into growth".
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