Ask the Rabbi
- Torah and Jewish Thought
- Emuna - Jewish Thought
- The Jewish Attitude to Evil
Question
A non-Orthodox "rabbi" recently declared ’But our tradition declared, “Because you suffer, therefore I am.”’ I know of no such statement in our tradition. Is there such a statement, or was the gentleman wrong?
Answer
Shalom. One should clearly not learn Judaism from those who have strayed from Judaism. There is no such a quote in Jewish sources, and the idea and the style, which sounds a bit Christian, clearly isn't ours. Yes, it's important to help and solve all suffering, but to turn suffering into the essential aspect of Judaism and our Loving Fatherly God, is simply wrong.
With Love of Israel,
Rav Ari Shvat
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.
Davening if Hashem knows future
Adar II 25, 5771
Keeping non-definite chametz and staying in a dorm
Nisan 3, 5771
Fasting or giving Tzedaka on seeing Sefer Torah fallen
Shevat 7, 5771
Investing in firm selling Chametz
Adar I 23, 5771
Good and Evil
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Tishrei 11, 5780
Handling a Misfortune
Rabbi Jonathan Blass | 8 Tevet 5764
Good and evil
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Sivan 9, 5779
