13 days ago
2.49: Derech Hashem B'Iyun Book 2 Chapter 3 Part 3-4
Rabbi Shulman continues developing the idea of **השגחה אישית** as Hashem’s individualized guidance, framing a person’s life circumstances as tailored tests aligned with their unique spiritual mission (“מזל” in a higher sense). He contrasts this with the Gemara’s “אין מזל לישראל,” explaining that Jews can transcend astrological determinism, while still having a divinely assigned role that shapes their challenges. Rabbi Shulman then introduces a second axis beyond mission: **דין וגמול**—how a person’s deeds generate increased assistance, more opportunities for mitzvot, and even protection from עבירות, while misdeeds can create escalating obstacles that (paradoxically) can later become a source of greater תיקון.