In Part 2 of our discussion on nisyonos, Rabbi Zimmerman explores some of the most relevant and challenging questions facing people today.

Can pressure from family, school or community become a nisayon in its own right? Is questioning Hashem always a weakness in emunah, or can honest struggle sometimes deepen a person's relationship with Him?

We discuss whether wealth and success can be as great a test as poverty and hardship, how to cope with challenges that feel constant and never-ending, and whether shielding children from difficulty truly protects them or leaves them unprepared for life.

We also examine whether people should search for reasons behind suffering, and how to navigate uncertainty, responsibility, mental health, and personal growth through a Torah perspective.

Timestamps:

0:00:00 – Introduction, recap of Part 1, framing Part 2 (modern struggles) 0:01:05 – Expectations, spiritual burden, joy vs obligation in mitzvos 0:05:04 – Personal enjoyment in avodas Hashem; “cog in the system” and individuality 0:08:19 – Each person’s unique purpose and contribution 0:08:46 – Balancing bitachon with hishtadlus; avoiding denial / toxic positivity 0:12:34 – Questioning Hashem, anger, and honest relationship with Hashem 0:19:10 – Modern nisyonos vs previous generations; changing Yetzer Hara 0:24:38 – Wealth and poverty as different tests; emotional equilibrium 0:27:32 – Never-ending struggles (e.g., shemiras einayim); value of the battle itself 0:30:09 – Children and chinuch; sharing struggles with kids appropriately 0:38:11 – Emotional/psychological struggles vs mental health conditions; seeking help 0:41:37 – Destigmatizing mental health; communal responsibility 0:44:26 – How much we’re responsible for others’ suffering; healthy boundaries 0:47:20 – Searching for “reasons” for suffering; middah k’neged middah and introspection 0:52:00 – Uncertainty in major life decisions; advice vs personal responsibility 0:58:15 – Finding meaning in nisyonos; Avraham’s legacy and our spiritual DNA 1:02:12 – Closing remarks and podcast wrap-up

In Part One of this two part series on Nisyonos, we explore one of life’s biggest questions: why does Hashem test people? Together they discuss whether all suffering is considered a nisayon, why some people appear to face greater hardships than others, the struggle of unanswered tefillos, and why bitachon can feel strong in some areas of life yet weak in others. A thoughtful and honest conversation on faith, struggle and spiritual growth.

Timestamps:

- 0:00:00 — Intro and episode topic: Nisyonas (suffering/tests)

- 0:01:31 — Three categories of hardship introduced: Aynish, Tafkid, Nisyonas

- 0:05:13 — Discussion on how to discern type of hardship; common default = punishment

- 0:08:00 — Purposes of Nisyonas: reward, reveal potential, show faith to others (Akedah example)

- 0:11:00 — Physical vs. spiritual tests; hardest are choices between two good options

- 0:18:05 — Prioritizing long-term mitzvah “investments” (learning with children, shalom bayit)

- 0:26:18 — Role of tefilah: praise, gratitude, requests; different views on effects of prayer

- 0:29:30 — Emotional processing of seemingly unanswered prayers; “not yet” and stored credit ideas

- 0:35:00 — Why some suffer more: gilgulim, tikkun, soul capacities; tailored tests

- 0:44:00 — Importance of community/support vs. suffering alone

- 0:47:55 — Free will vs. divine foreknowledge: different frameworks and implications

- 0:52:48 — Human cruelty within divine orchestration and moral accountability

- 0:55:14 — Closing and preview of Part Two

A wide-ranging conversation with Dayan Posen exploring the mitzvah of bikur cholim in today’s world, from the halachic foundations of visiting the sick to mental health, trauma response, community support, and the balance between practical help and genuine human presence. The discussion covers what meaningful care really looks like in an age of constant communication, and how small actions can make a profound difference to patients and their families.

Timestamps:

- 0:00:00 – Intro, technical note about previous episode; episode focus announced (Bikur Cholim with Daim Posen)

- 0:01:47 – Guest (Daim Posen) greeting

- 0:01:49–0:06:10 – Core halachic sources and purpose of Bikur Cholim; best times to visit (avoid first/last 3 hours)

- 0:06:10–0:11:57 – Scope of the mitzvah, limits, reading the room, and risks of causing distress

- 0:11:57–0:16:00 – Contagious illness, enemies visiting, and modern communications (phone/video/text) as partial substitutes

- 0:16:00–0:21:57 – Benefits of in-person visits; impact on hospital care and staff perception

- 0:21:57–0:31:08 – How to speak with patients, defensive attribution, and aim to uplift/encourage (Gemilas Chesed)

- 0:31:08–0:38:54 – Respecting patient/family wishes, privacy, and when to prioritize next-of-kin support

- 0:38:54–0:46:58 – Community vs. individual responsibility; kehillah rotas and organized welfare support

- 0:46:58–0:50:27 – Gender considerations and modesty when visiting; emotional boundaries

- 0:50:27–1:00:30 – Mental health as Bikur Cholim: parity with physical illness, emotional support, stigma reduction

- 1:00:30–1:09:01 – Practical guidance for supporting those with mental health struggles (boundaries, presence)

- 1:09:01–1:16:42 – Crisis/trauma response overview; SITS crisis teams and trained volunteers (Rabbi Dr. Fox training)

- 1:16:42–1:24:09 – Handling children, age‑appropriate explanations, and preparing for hospital visits

- 1:24:09–1:31:08 – Role and timing of Tehillim (in-person vs. remote); WhatsApp Tehillim groups’ impact

- 1:31:08–1:35:31 – Authenticity in performing the mitzvah (anonymity, intention) and differences from tzedakah

- 1:35:31–1:36:40 – Closing thoughts: presence, empathy, Miriam/Moshe story, final blessings and thanks