Rabbi Kirzner: Where is God in All This?

It has been a difficult week.  We have experienced the madness of the Boston Marathon bombing and the utter devastation of the explosion at the fertilizer plant in West, Texas.  On the one hand, it is tempting to respond by distancing ourselves from these tragedies.  On the other it is equally tempting to ask where God is in all this.

The first response is to deny reality and the second is to deny responsibility in any form.  At this time we should draw our children and our families close to us and express gratitude for their love and support and to express the same to the victims of both events.  As we gather those whom we love near to us, we have to acknowledge that bad things do happen to good people.  The question is not why did God allow it to happen but rather how can we turn to God for support in the aftermath.  

We are celebrating family with our Family Service this Shabbat.  Join us, young and old to declare that you are part of a larger family of people who care, Jews who from experience, can say to the world “Adonai oz l’amo yitein, Adonai yivareich et amo vashalom” .  God will give strength to all God’s people.  God will bless us all with peace.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Kirzner