Rabbi Israel Reider Explains Why Righteousness and Reward Differ in Weekly Torah Portion

Rabbi Israel Reider offers a fresh perspective on the age-old question of why the righteous sometimes suffer while the wicked prosper, as discussed in this week's Torah portion, Vaetchanan, read on Shabbat Nachamu. He highlights the verse "and He repays His enemies face to face," explaining that according to rabbinic interpretation, God grants the wicked the reward for the few mitzvot they perform in this world to prevent them from having any reward in the afterlife.

Rabbi Reider emphasizes that apparent success may not indicate closeness to God but could be the opposite. The Torah teaches that one should not judge reality by immediate circumstances but rather from an eternal perspective. The Shabbat Nachamu reading, following the days of destruction and mourning, strengthens faith in God's perfect governance even when His ways are not fully understood.

The rabbi concludes with a hopeful message that we merit to soon witness complete consolation and the redemption of Israel, reinforcing the theme of enduring faith and divine justice beyond worldly appearances.