Ask the Rabbi with Rabbi Chaim Mintz
Our nation has endured untold suffering throughout our history. Haven’t we suffered enough? Aren’t the Holocaust and all the terrorist attacks enough suffering? A common declaration heard is: “Never again!” Is that the Torah perspective?
Rabbi Chaim Mintz responds:
There’s a Message Here!
This reaction to tragedy is so common, but unfortunately, it is the wrong response. As already mentioned, these tragedies happen for a reason. The real response should be: “If we are still suffering, that means that God has been speaking to us in such a loud voice for so long, and we still haven’t gotten the message! Why are we still falling short? Why are we still not taking our obligations to Him as seriously as we should?” If enough of us get the message, our redemption will definitely be on the way.
In short: If we are still suffering, that means we still haven’t gotten the message!
Have another question to ask a rabbi? You can ask Rabbi Mintz your own question at asktherabbi@oorah.org, or head to oorah.org/asktherabbi/ to watch the latest Q&As or join Ask the Rabbi Live, Tuesdays at 9PM ET.
