Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the principle that a grantor of a gift has a more generous attitude and disposition (Ayin Yaffa) than one who sells the same parcel of land. This leads to assuming certain rights and/or extras are transferred in the gift of property, while in a sale, a more precise and legalistic attitude is presumed.

The Shalah (Torah_Shebiksav, Bamidbar, Nasso, Beha'alotcha, Torah Ohr, Beha'alotcha) references this principle, and asks:

We are taught in Gemara (Berachos 5a)

תניא, רבי שמעון בן יוחאי אומר: שלש מתנות טובות נתן הקדוש ברוך הוא לישראל, וכולן לא נתנן אלא על ידי יסורין, אלו הן: תורה וארץ ישראל והעולם הבא.

Additionally, it was taught in a baraita with regard to affliction: Rabbi Shimon ben Yoḥai says: The Holy One, Blessed be He, gave Israel three precious gifts, all of which were given only by means of suffering, which purified Israel so that they may merit to receive them. These gifts are: Torah, Eretz Yisrael, and the World-to-Come.

These valuable experiences are described as a gift. Asks the Shalah, if a gift-giver gives with a generous attitude, why does God give these gifts only through suffering and tribulations. Really, why not give it with no strings attached?

The Shalah answers that tribulations and suffering is sometimes required in order to allow a person to receive the gift. The Jews could not receive the Torah nor enter the Land of Israel without going through a certain process that developed in them the necessary personal character and national identity. And, the same can be said about the third gift, the World to Come. The spiritual attainment that the soul must achieve in order to receive this benefit, has to be earned through a process of refinement. A parent cannot “give“ their child self-esteem, but rather must allow him or her to go through experiences that help him or her evolve self-esteem. So too, God cannot give us certain forms of spiritual attainment and readiness; rather we must grow into it.

The experiences we go through in life can teach us, mold us, and elevate us. Often, prior to a breakthrough in our personal circumstances, a spiritual, and/or emotional ordeal must precede it. It is a small comfort and still true. This is how the world works.

Translations Courtesy of Sefaria, except when, sometimes, I disagree with the translation

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