We often search for profound philosophical explanations to questions which trouble us. We plumb the depths and probe for complex answers, when all that is required is a small dose of common sense. Not every challenge demands an intricate analysis. Indeed, at times, the most straightforward explanation is the correct one. Thus, many of the questions that plague us and whose answers appear elusive are easily explained when we open our minds and think common-sensibly.
The Torah expects us to serve Hashem amid joy. Is that too much to ask for? Certainly not, but, unfortunately, we do see G-d-fearing, fully observant bnei Torah without smiles on their faces. This is not about walking around all day with a permanent smile set on his face, but is once in a while asking too much? David Hamelech famously declares, Toras Hashem temimah meshivas nafesh, and, Sass anochi Imrasecha k’motzi shalal rav; “The teaching of Hashem is perfect, renewing life” (Tehillim 19:8). “I rejoice over Your promise as one who obtains great spoil” (119:162). Are they not aware of these pesukim, or is there a disconnect between ideal and reality?
Obviously, many paths lead to understanding this. I cite a simple, but nonetheless profound, explanation rendered by Horav Aharon Leib Shteinman, zl, which explains the reality of the human condition.
A yeshivah bochur asked Rav Shteinman, “If, in fact, Torah is so sweet, why am I so bitter?” The Rosh Yeshivah replied, “Have you ever gone to the makolet, grocery store, and hear a man ask the storekeeper, ‘Slichah, how do I make sugar sweet?’ (The man was holding a bag of sugar in his hands.) Clearly, had you been there and heard the question, you would have wondered whether the man had lost his mind. Sugar is sweet. It does not need to be made sweet.” In other words, Rav Shteinman was intimating that Torah, by its very nature (Divinely- Authored), is inherently sweet. Well, the bochur had difficulty with this explanation. He countered, “It may be true, but, to me, it is not sweet.”
Rav Shteinman tried another approach. “How many spoons of sugar do you take with your coffee?” The fellow replied, “One spoon.” “Fine,” said Rav Shteinman. “Make yourself a cup of coffee and put in three large, heaping spoons of sugar followed by one spoon of salt. How will the coffee taste?” “Salty,” he replied. “There is your answer. One can have the sweetest tasting food or beverage, but, if he adds a little salt, he compromises the taste. Torah is sweet, but, if you add your material and physical desires into the equation, you are adding salt to the coffee. Regardless of how sweet Torah is, if you do not banish the effect of your yetzer hora, evil inclination, it will taste bitter.”
