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NEWS
Do Not Underestimate Health

by Yated Ne'eman Staff

Rabbi Avigdor Miller zt"l
3

Life has its ups and downs. Just surviving for a long time is worthy of note. The gemora in Kiddushin says that Rabbi Yochonon used to honor older people because of their many life experiences.

The Chovos Halevovos calls a miracle a gift.

Rabbi Avigdor Miller zt"l explains:

What is the gift of the miracle? Knowledge. The knowledge of Hashem that comes as a result of a miracle that resolves all doubts of faith. Our entire life we struggle to recognize the reality of Hashem. This is our central task. And when He sends an open miracle that reveals His presence in a prominent way, this is a great gift. An easy way to recognize Hashem.

If a person requires unnecessary miracles, for example if he crosses a busy street without exercising the normal caution, he should know that he has used up merits he acquired through learning gemora or prayer.

If a person does not eat properly or take normal precautions against extreme weather, he may get sick and lament his misfortune but admit that he had it coming. Shlomo Hamelech says such a person is not a tzaddik but a fool.

A person who gets sick makes an accounting of his sins and attributes his sickness to his sins. But the Rambam says that if one conducts himself wisely and takes the steps to preserve his health, the Rambam guarantees that he will not get sick.

The words of the Rambam are astonishing and enlightening. It is clear from the Rambam that there is illness that is not necessarily a result of Heavenly punishment, but rather the consequences of unwise conduct. If a person lives properly and prudently, he can avoid a lot of problems.

 

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