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| This image of Jonah in the fish depicts the suffering we, Jews, experience in the galus (exile state) mostly because of our own shortcomings. Indifferent to Hashem, sometimes, we avoid doing what our G-d expects from us, including ignoring our life's mission, much as Jonah ran from HaShem's command to go to Nineveh. Ultimately, Jonah did succumb to do G-d's will, only after he experienced suffering in the fish, as we also do Teshuvah (repent) because of life's unkind circumstances and the feeling of loss and loneliness, effects due to separation from our God. According to Chassidus, when things go wrong in our lives, we must first examine our deeds, and if they are without blemish, we are to recollect if we failed at some point in learning Torah. The Holy One, Blessed Be He, holds each of us accountable to our present, individual levels and if we fail to rise to our level in mitzvot, it is likely we've missed out on Torah learning. If only afterwards we can say we are without blemish, we should view the hardship as a kiss from Heaven, as HaShem has singled us out to receive special attention in elevating our neshama (soul). |