By the Grace of G-d 10th of Nissan, 5724 Brooklyn, N.Y.
Mr. . . .
Greeting and Blessing:
This is in reply to your letter, as well as following up our conversation when you visited me. In your letter, you ask why a person must sometimes suffer, and suffer considerably, etc.
In general, we have the directive of the Torah, “Thou shalt be wholehearted with G-d, thy God."1 This means that we should not question the wisdom of G-d's directing the affairs of mankind as a whole, and of every individual in particular. Moreover, it is clear, even from the point of view of common sense, that we cannot comprehend G-d's ways. Even in the relationship between one human being and another there are similar situations, as for example in the case of a small child and a highly advanced scientist, where it is obvious that the child cannot comprehend the deep and intricate knowledge of the scientist. It should be remembered that here there is only a difference in degree, rather than in kind, for the scientist was once a small child, and the small child can eventually become a very wise man. How much more so in the case of a human being in relation to the Creator, where there is no common denominator at all. So how can a human being presume to question the way of the Creator and Master of the World?
There is another point to bear in mind, and it is this: If the approach is based on true humility and the realization that we cannot question G-d's ways and commands, but must be wholehearted with G-d, this in itself is a channel to receive G-d's blessing that the causes which give rise to questions and doubts, namely the suffering, should be diminished, and should eventually cease altogether.
As we are about to celebrate the festival of Pessach, the Festival of Our Freedom, there is much in this festival that throws light on your question, and inspires deep faith in G-d which leads to true freedom and liberation from all undesirable things, so that every Jew can serve G-d with joy and gladness of heart. May G-d grant that this be so also in your case.
Wishing you a Kosher, and happy Pessach
With blessing,
Notes and sources
1) Devarim 18:13.
Published: The Letter and the Spirit, Vol 2 (Nissan Mindel Publications, 2013), 69.
Note: Letters printed in "The Letter and the Spirit" are from the Archives of Rabbi Nissan Mindel A"H, the Rebbe's personal secretary entrusted with writing up the Rebbe's orally dictated responses. The “Nissan Mindel Archives” are comprised of secretarial copies, including first drafts, and may have subsequently been published with editorial changes. Therefore the letters as they appear in the book may not be the final signed version.