Torah 71 · תורה ע״א

Know, Sh’kasheh Me’od Lihiyot Mefursam (It is Very Difficult to be Famous). Being widely known causes a person great harm. There are times when it requires that he suffer on behalf of the masses, as it is written (Isaiah 53:5), “and through his wounds we were healed.” On account of his fame, he is in the category of “Therefore, I will give him a portion from the many” (ibid. 53:12). He therefore has to suffer on behalf of the many, since it is said of him: “and through his wounds we were healed.” Nevertheless, some people are meant to be famous, and [Heaven] makes them, in particular, widely known.

However, there are certain tzaddikim who accept suffering upon themselves of their own accord, for the sake of the Jewish people. By doing so, they exchange the spiritual influx; as explained above, in Lesson #63:3, concerning the verse “with two it would conceal its face.” See there.