Where Hope Feels Lost, Redemption Can Begin

Lessons from Rabbi Tzadok HaKohen of Lublin on Never Despairing

Our sages teach that all Jews are called by the name Yehudah. As it says in Midrash Rabbah on Genesis, “I am a Jew.” This name reflects an inner truth: every Jew belongs to a holy people.

Even someone who struggles, who sins, or who fails to give charity remains part of the holy nation of Israel. At the core of every Jewish soul lies a desire to do Hashem’s will. As the sages say, “Our will is to do Your will, but the yeast in the dough prevents us” (Berachot 17). The obstacles come from outside forces, not from the true inner will.

This inner will is a form of royalty. It never disappears.

No One Is Too Far

The prophet Jeremiah says, “Do not fear, My servant Jacob, for I will save you from afar.” Rabbi Tzadok explains that “from afar” refers to those who feel distant from Hashem. Even those who are very far, even without awareness or effort, will ultimately be saved. No Jew is beyond Hashem’s reach.

Remembering the Exodus Means Remembering Hope

We are commanded to remember the Exodus from Egypt every day, not only with words, but by placing it deep in our hearts.

Why is this so important?

Because the Exodus teaches us that there is no situation without hope. If a person becomes trapped in sin, desire, or impurity and sees no way out, they must remember Egypt. Just as Hashem lifted Israel from the forty nine levels of impurity without any awakening from below, so too He can lift any individual. For this reason alone, remembering the Exodus is a daily obligation.

Hashem’s mercy ensures that no Jewish soul is ever lost. Even from situations that seem broken beyond repair, Hashem builds redemption. From figures such as Er, Onan, Mahlon, and Chilion came Ruth, and from Ruth came King David. From David comes the Messiah. What looks like failure can become the foundation of redemption.

As Scripture says, Hashem “devises means so that no one is banished” (Samuel II 14:14).

Even After Great Sin, There Is Cleansing

Rabbi Tzadok teaches that even someone who has sinned greatly has a path to purification with Hashem. No Jew should ever despair. Hashem promised that none of His people will be cast away.

This is why the Torah speaks of four sons. Even the “wicked son” carries good news. The joy is not in wickedness, but in the promise that even such a child will never be cut off from Israel.

The Zohar teaches, “Your people are all righteous.” Even those who sinned will ultimately be included in Hashem’s portion of righteousness.

The Talmud says of Achan, “Though he has sinned, he remains a Jew.” Even after punishment, Joshua tells him that he still has a share in the world to come.

Some sages even taught that nearly all who seem excluded will eventually return, because they are descendants of Israel. This understanding goes beyond human logic, but it is rooted in divine compassion.

Falling Is Part of Rising

All of Israel is bound to the Torah. Every Jew is part of a single, complete entity. There are no unnecessary parts.

Even when sins multiply, Israel remains “a nation that dwells alone,” separate and distinct. Bilaam, despite his wickedness, recognized this truth. He saw that even the sinners of Israel carried a unique destiny, one that would shine at the end of days.

His jealousy was not of Israel’s righteous alone, but even of its transgressors, because their future return was guaranteed.

Even in Sin, Hashem Is Remembered

The Torah repeats the phrase, “You rebelled with Hashem.” This wording is precise. Even in rebellion, Hashem was not forgotten.

In Egypt, Israel forgot Hashem entirely. After the Exodus, even when they sinned, their rebellion was still “with Hashem.” He remained present in their awareness.

The sages explain this with a striking image: a thief at the doorway prays to Hashem. Even in wrongdoing, belief remains. That belief ensures eventual correction.

One Moment of Faith Can Save

Every step away from desire brings a person closer to Hashem’s light. When a person opens even a small space for holiness, Hashem immediately fills it.

As it says, “Return us and illuminate Your face, and we shall be saved.” When the heart empties itself of sin, it becomes ready for divine wisdom. “He gives wisdom to the wise,” meaning to those who make room for it.

Our sages taught that if a person opens even a small opening, Hashem opens gates as wide as a palace.

Even a brief, sincere decision to turn away from sin can change everything.

Every Jew Is Like a Torah Scroll

“Israel, the Torah, and Hashem are one.” The soul of every Jew is rooted in the Torah itself.

Those who learn Torah and keep mitzvot are directly connected to it. But even those who struggle are still filled with mitzvot like a pomegranate is filled with seeds.

The sages say that the death of a Jew is like the burning of a Torah scroll. Even the “emptiest” Jew remains bound to holiness.

Never Despair of Prayer

Prayer always leaves an impact.

The prophet says, “Who among you fears Hashem and listens to His servant’s voice, though he walks in darkness and has no light, let him trust in Hashem.”

Even when salvation is not yet visible, trust itself is an act of light.

Spiritually, we are allowed and even encouraged to rely on miracles. Just as Abraham and Sarah were saved beyond nature, so too a person may hope beyond their merits.

Hashem never forgets a good effort. Every prayer counts, whether its answer is seen or hidden.

Final Message

No Jew is lost. No situation is final. No fall is permanent.

Hope itself is a form of redemption.

This article is adapted from the book 'Living with Faith' by Rabbi Yaakov Israel Lugasi.