Expert: Rabbi Barry Dov Lerner - 1/23/2012

Question
Hi,

I read your response to Jewish suffering where you quote Rabbi Kushner's book. I have read this book a number of times and am familiar with his approach.

His explanation and approach to the subject is therapeutic and not theological. If I am to believe in an all-good God then I cannot understand why God would create an environment where evil, cruelty and indescribable suffering exists to this day around the world to the most innocent of innocents.

I have struggled with this for decades (I am 57). I was raised and learned in Yeshivot, have extensively studied Ashlag Kabbalah, and I have personally suffered in very intense ways. The Kabbalah has indeed the best explanation. However, it is still lacking.

God had a choice and He chose to create evil. It's as simple as that. Or there is no God and we are deluding ourselves.

Can you give me some insight here?

Thank You
Michael Stamler


Answer
Dear Michael,

Thanks for writing and I am saddened that this is a practical, real issue for you and not just theoretical.

First of all, I can't compete with fundamentalist Orthodox theology, nor would I want to undermine anyone's beliefs.

Secondly, I believe that Kushner opens some doors for us - anyone - although his approach does close some doors, close some very comforting possibilities. You suggest some of these options very well, and it can be frightening to even consider that God is less than the ultimate loving, supporting, saving, all-knowing and omnipotent Father/Parent in the face of challenges.

I am encouraged by the teaching of Solomon Schechter zt"l almost 100 years ago - "do all that you can and then leave the rest to God."  Too often we do the reverse in a pious attitude, and then hold God responsible. That refers to decisions and situations in which we have choices and roles to fulfill.

How can we understand situations such as illness, genetics, accidents, consequences of others' bad judgments and decisions?

For me, with my personal background in the physical sciences before undertaking Rabbinical School, I see a magnificent system in the world, pointing always forward, ahead, to the future.

Unfortunately, for this system to unfold means that we must have opportunities for variation, for options, for choices. That translates into mutations and competition on every biological, chemical, physical level. Of course this means on an individual "level" and life, there will be disappointment, affliction and even death and disappearance from the future.

What remains as a challenge to us, to the human level of this cosmic adventure. is that in many circumstances we have the capacity or at least potential to affect changes that benefit if not save human lives or at least modify their pain and suffering.  Disease, rehabilitation and so much more is within our grasp but not within our priorities far too often.

Your situation is personal and I can't comment nor should I. In no way would I minimize your circumstances and your search for meaning.

However, for myself and all that I have seen, in spite of all the tragedy and disappointment I have witnessed and had to be supportive for congregants and community members, I am unwilling to blame God.

We decided that God is omniscient, omnipresent, omnipotent and perfectly good in every dimension and measure in order to make sense of a monotheistic God - and then we turn around and hold God responsible. Perhaps ultimately were we to be less judgmental and blaming we would be satisfied with support from God as hope and inspiration.

I wish I could offer you more than what sustains me. May it help.

Best wishes and thanks for writing.

Rabbi Dov