Yochai says — Beloved are afflictions, for three goodly

Mekhilta DeRabbi Yishmael Mekhilta Tractate Bachodesh 10:10

Curated by The Jewish Mythology Team · Published January 6, 2025

R. Shimon b. Yochai says: Beloved are afflictions, for three goodly gifts were given to Israel and are desired by the nations of the world, and they were given to them only through afflictions—Torah, Eretz Yisrael, and the world to come. Torah, (Mishlei 1:2) "to know wisdom and chastisement, to comprehend words of understanding," and (Psalms 94:12) "Happy is the man whom you chastise, O L–rd, and whom you teach from Your Torah." Eretz Yisrael, (Devarim 8:5) "… the L–rd your G–d chastises you … (7) for the L–rd your G–d brings you to a good land." The world to come, (Mishlei 6:23) "For a mitzvah is a lamp, and Torah, light, and the way of life, the chastisements of mussar." Which is the way which leads a man to life in the world to come? Afflictions.

Themes

Torah Wisdom Death Charity Holy Land

Biblical References

Psalms 94:12

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