This week’s parsha, Maasei, lists the travels of the Jewish people. From when they left Egypt until they entered Israel, they camped in 42 places.

The Baal Shem Tov tells us1 that the 42 travels parallel the life of a Jewish person. Each of the travels represents a period in one’s life, with the different happenings and challenges we encounter along the way. Birth is like the Exodus from Egypt, and the entry into Israel parallels the end of life—entry into the world of truth.

This is difficult toThey complained bitterly understand, because some of the travels are known for the terrible episodes that happened there, when the Jewish people went against G‑d. Does that mean we, too, are condemned to experience episodes of sinfulness in our lives?

For example, one of the places they camped was Kivrot Hatava, where they complained bitterly that they missed the food they had had in Egypt. They even cried about it. They weren't satisfied with the manna, the “bread from heaven.” They craved meat. G‑d gave them as many quail as they could eat, but he punished their gluttony. Many of the complainers died there, giving it the name Kivrot Hatava, “the graves of those who craved.”2

Why would we want to go through that?

The Baal Shem Tov explains that each place could have had two outcomes: positive or negative. It was up to the Jewish people to choose. It could have been “the graves of those who craved,” or Kivrot Hatava could have been taken literally, to mean, “the graves of the craving.” I.e., they could have buried their desire, done what is good in the eyes of G‑d, and showed gratitude for their freedom from Egypt and for the holy manna that fell from heaven. And that was probably the intended purpose of traveling there, but we failed.

The same is true for us. We will be faced with each of these “travels,” and it is our choice to determine whether it will ultimately be a positive or negative episode in our life.

I know how hard life can be. The challenges G‑d throws our way are so great, they can be paralyzing and debilitating. We can feel that they are too much to handle and maybe they are.

Right now, before the coming of Moshiach, it is especially difficult, it is the darkest time. It is so difficult to stay positive through our challenges, especially when they are prolonged.

In this situation,Every time you overcome, G‑d revels in your victory sometimes you will overcome and sometimes you may fail. But know that every time you overcome, G‑d revels in your victory. It deals a great blow to the forces of evil and brings Moshiach ever closer. The greater the challenges you overcome, the more powerful the effect.

Don't let your failures get you down. Instead, count your victories, be proud of them, and know how much they accomplish.

In my home, we suffer from a prolonged devastating challenge, on top of the regular challenges that my children, my wife, and I have to deal with. Every day, every hour, and every minute is a challenge; the suffering and anguish are sometimes unbearable. Sometimes we are victorious and sometimes it is just too much. Yes, we are just like everybody else. I too have my moments. But it is our victories that matter. That's why I am so proud of my wife and my children; with all we are going through, they are amazing and have good hearts.

You are also amazing. Revel in your victories they will strengthen and empower you. G‑d is proud of you.

We’ve had enough suffering. May G‑d send Moshiach, when “G‑d will erase the tears from upon every face.”3 May it happen soon. 4