I spoke with a friend in Houston yesterday, and the desperation bristled in her voice. She simply said “It’s really bad. I have to go.”
I have a feeling her home was flooding. And there was nothing she (or I) could do about it.
How do we make sense of such natural disasters? As people of faith, how do we respond?
The second question is easier than the first. We respond with action.
I saw a man interviewed on TV as he was driving his truck around, helping people who were stuck. He had been doing so since 5 am, and cut the interview short so he could get back to work.
This man knew the truth of a saying attributing to a 19th century rabbi named Israel Salanter. “My neighbor’s material needs,” he said, “are my spiritual needs.” When our neighbor suffers, God calls us to offer our hands and our hearts.
Making spiritual sense of natural disasters is more difficult. Theologians call this the problem of theodicy.
My humble answer is we are only human beings. We cannot always discern God’s ways. We simply know God’s spirit and call is everywhere.
Natural disasters do not define God’s powers. Remember 1 Kings 19:11-12,
"God sent a great and mighty wind, which split mountains and shattered stones -- but God was not in the wind. And after the wind, an earthquake -- but God was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake, a fire -- but God was not in the fire. And after the fire: a still, small voice.”
That still small voice is the one telling us to carry on. And to give with our hearts and our hands. Giving not only makes a difference for others. It makes us happier. Faith teaches this truth, and science has proven it.
You can discover why in chapter three of The Happiness Prayer: Ancient Jewish Wisdom for the Best Way to Live Today.
For my many readers in Texas, I send you my love and prayers. We are with you.
Rabbi Evan Moffic
Rabbi Evan Moffic
Congregation Solel
1301 Clavey Road
Highland Park, Illinois 60035, United States
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