- Torah and Jewish Thought
- The Jewish Attitude to Evil
why is there suffering in the world?
Question
If God is infinitely merciful, why is there suffering in the world?
Answer
That's a big question but in short: There has never been anyone, even the greatest of righteous people, who have an easy life. Wealth has challenges as does poverty, etc. etc. The world was not created to be easy, as many children mistakenly think, but rather complex and the challenges are here to help us grow. Life is full of challenges, and it is up to us to use all of them to grow, to destine our fate. That’s why chazal teach us to bless Hashem for (what seems to us to be) good, as well as for (what seems to us to be) bad (Brachot 33b), because it’s really all for the good, even when it hurts.
Additionally, experience clearly proves that people who have undergone hardships are clearly more considerate and thoughtful people. Challenges also help us pray. Prayer is in place of the korbanot (sacrifices), which is from the word “karov”, for us to feel close to Him, which is one of the greatest levels and feelings that anyone can achieve. The closest we can understand about G-d, is like a parent who educates His child, through love and giving, but also through sometimes saying “No” or "Not now", and sometimes guiding us towards and through challenges that seem to be hard, but it’s all in our best interest. That’s part of His being perfect. In short, appreciate the good that He gives you, because many people don’t, and mistakenly focus on the “half-empty” cup. Thank G-d that you feel that direct connection with Him, for that is one of the main goals in life. More so, if you can use your positive and appreciative attitude, as well as your appreciation for the power and benefit of tfila (prayer), in order to help others overcome their challenges, you would really be “karov” and G-dly.

Why does evil exist?
Rabbi Ari Shvat |

Good and evil
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Sivan 9, 5779

Life test vs. punishment
Rabbi Elchanan Lewis | Iyyar 25, 5768

Good and Evil
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Tishrei 11, 5780

Rabbi Ari Shvat
Lectures at various yeshivot, michlalot and midrashot. Has published many books & Torani articles and is in charge of Rav Kook’s archives.

baruch hamavdil
Adar I 23, 5771

A Day is a thousand years
Adar I 23, 5771

Investing in firm selling Chametz
Adar I 23, 5771

Delaying aliya for career and studies
Adar II 25, 5771

No-wedding days
Rabbi David Sperling | Sivan 20, 5772

Non Jews wearing a Tallit
Rabbi David Sperling | Kislev 2, 5777

Riding in a Car on Shabbat Driven by Non-Jew
Rabbi Yirmiyohu Kaganoff | Iyyar 25, 5768

Traveling on a Fast Day
Rabbi Elchanan Lewis | 24 Kislev 5765

About Olam
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Iyyar 21, 5782
Tenach Melochim
Rabbi Daniel Kirsch | Iyyar 16, 5782
