Putting G-d on Trial: Heresy or Humanity? A Jewish Response to Tragedy
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When tragedy strikes, we
struggle to understand G-d’s ways. Is it ok to openly challenge Him? Is it a
sign of deep belief or deep blasphemy? What about the Jewish greats, Moses at
their head, who brazenly questioned G-d? This paper is a comprehensive study of
the acceptable Jewish response to death, tragedy and pain.
| Language | English |
|---|---|
| Paper Type | Research Paper |
| Pages | 56 |
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(67 pages)
Submitted by a Shliach in New York
The
Torah contains instances where G-d appears to have reconsidered His decision, often in response
to human action. How can an eternal G-d be subject to change? Does that mean
the earlier decision was wrong? Is G-d’s word not final?
מעיקרי האמונה הוא החיוב להאמין שהקב”ה מושלל הוא מגשם וציור גופני. אך האומנם זאת היא הדיעה המוסכמת אצל גדולי ישראל לדורותיהם? והאם ביכולתו ית׳ הבלתי בעל גבול להתלבש גם בדמות גופני? על שלילת הגשמות והנמנעות אצלו ית׳ בספרות החקירה והחסידות.
כי בצלם אלקים עשה את האדם. האומנם? והרי אינו שייך ציור גופני אצל הקב״ה ח״ו? להלן חקר ועיון תמציתי משלל הפירושים שנאמרו בזה על ידי מפרשי המקרא, הוגי מחשבת ישראל, ומאורי הקבלה והחסידות.
If we believe that G-d is the ultimate good who does only good, why would we pray for a change to our fate? This paper solves the paradox between perfect belief in G-d’s benevolence and the centrality of prayer in Jewish belief.