BS’D
This undoubtedly is the most asked question! The Midrash Bereishis Rabbah (32:3) gives three metaphors in trying to tackle this ancient question that probes the minds of both young and old:
* Rabbi Yonatan explains: a potter checking his pots (by tapping their surface) does not hit the weak pots that would crack. Yet, he checks the strong pots that can withstand numerous hits without shattering. So too does Hashem test the strongest of His children.
*Rabbi Yossi ben Chanina teaches: when a flax dealer knows that his flax is of superior quality he does not hesitate to beat it as this causes it to thicken. However a thinner piece of flax will crack when whipped.
* Rabbi Elazar explains: When a farmer has two cows one strong and one weak, which one will he use to carry the heavy load?
The first teaching seems to suggest that checking the pots is for the purpose of the pot and not for the potter in order to demonstrate to the pot how strong it truly is. The second lesson learned from Rabbi Yossi is that hitting the flax strengthens the flax itself and increases its quality and ability to withstand hardship. Rabbi Elazar in the third explanation brings down that difficulties helps strengthen others by example.
Tomorrow we will delve further into these three metaphors, yet we can be certain of one thing; there is meaning behind all hardships.
