Rebbe Fischl of Strichov performed the same kind of ritual every evening - he invariably drank a glass of vodka before going to bed. First, he blessed the filled glass to the top, then drained it to the bottom and said loudly, turning to God: “Le Chaim, Ribono shel Olam” - “The Source of Life and the Life of all living things!” Good night, Ribono shel Olam!” After which, after rinsing the glass, he went to bed.
When people began to gossip about this everywhere in the city, the students asked their rebbe to explain to them the meaning of these strange actions. Rebbe Fischl asked them:
—Does God share human suffering?
“Yes,” the Hasidim answered, “we were taught that God suffers from the suffering of people.”
“And if so,” the rabbi continued, “does that mean He rejoices in our joys?” And if the world received a respite from its suffering at night, then God could find peace at night, right?
“That’s right,” the students confirmed.
“Well, I wish the Creator good night, helping Him go to sleep.” And He, in turn, gives rest to all the suffering of this world!
Commentary by Rami Shapiro Can God suffer or rejoice? Is He not above all this? The answer will depend on how we see God. If He is the Unity of everything and everyone - and this is exactly what the Hasidim believe - then He is not alien to joys and sufferings. In fact, He experiences joy and suffering through man, through us. Just as a wave is a manifestation of the ocean at a given point in time and space, so you are God in certain life situations. Of course, you are not all God; but you are all God. You are how God raises children, walks the dog, pets the cat, or takes out the trash. You are how He laughs and cries, triumphs and suffers. If God is everything, then He is you yourself. And if God is you, who knows both joy and pain in your life, then He, too, through you, experiences both. Rebbe Fischl knows this and tries to act accordingly. He seeks to please God by doing something pleasing to other people. What a wonderful spiritual practice! Just imagine: all your actions bring either pleasure or pain to the Creator of the Universe. Shouldn't we then do everything possible to maximize pleasure and minimize pain? Shouldn't you try to ensure that all your actions are truly good, and not just reasonable and useful?
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru