To preface this article, I would like to state that I will make a true attempt to address the deepest concerns of those who are struggling with their faith in these times. This is not a simple task. It will require asking the most difficult questions of G-d and us. The challenge to do so in midst of struggle is very real. But to refuse to ask in these times does not do anything for our faith now. This is why it is vital to spend time using current events in this terrible war to strengthen our faith, despite all the reasons we may have to lose faith.
On Simchat Torah this year, Jewish joy transformed into sorrow. For what purpose? Did our sins warrant the atrocities? Did our prayer not pierce the Heavens? Did our shofar not blow its way to G-d’s ear? I have seen some comment that it is not the time for questions. I am not so sure this is the case. Were we to believe that no questions can be asked during this time, we would ignore the true cause of our suffering. We would be unable to peer into our souls and ask ourselves what sins we can rectify. What does G-d want from us that we have not given in our blood throughout millennia? Does our blood not cry as Hevel’s? Does its shriek not satisfy our due? Many innocents have been killed. Those far purer than we. People who have lived through the Shoah. If we are faced with this reality, what hope is there of our efforts?
I will not make any suggestion that there is a bright side to this story. There is not. I will, however, attempt to make the case that hope exists. Not just that we will defeat Hamas, but that the Jewish future has the potential to be bright, despite all the terrible predictions we are bombarded with each moment. Let us take a step back for a moment. Let us think about this atrocity and the unique place Jews are in as opposed to all of our previous evil exilic subjugation. In this war, Israel has been established for nearly a century as a Jewish state. Since its inception, each of Israel’s “moves” has been critiqued from every angle. It has been held to a standard worthy of the Chosen Nation. Though this intense focus on Israel has made it difficult for Israel to act as its own State, always being under the world’s eye has made Israel one of the most recognizably noble countries in the world. While this may not seem like anything to cause us to be hopeful, we must realize how much this has caused the non-Jewish world to actually side with Israel on this matter. Many countries, states, towns, provinces, cities, and what-have-yous, have openly sided with Israel in this conflict. When in the last millennia has there ever been a moment of solidarity and sorrow about the Jewish people’s plight? This is a unique moment in the history of our exile. Proof of this can be seen in Faith After the Holocaust by Eliezer Berkovits (pg. 7), “the fate of the Jew had become, in the most democratic country in the world, purely a matter of Jewish interest.” This is no longer the case. And thank God for that. A few inspirational examples of this solidarity can be seen from the following quotes, all made within the past two weeks.
Sam Harris, one of the most influential Atheists (let that sink in) of the 21st century, says in his podcast “Israel remains a lonely outpost of civilized ethics in the absolute moral wasteland that is the Middle East.” Lest you say that we need not the support of people and we only need the support of Hashem, I believe that would be missing the point. God wants us to be in a place that intelligent people can look at us and recognize the morality we try to imbue in ourselves. Another quote of a similar caliber comes from a close friend of Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, UK journalist Douglas Murray. In a speech given to Jews in a synagogue, Douglas says “You’re not alone… The whole civilized world is behind the Jewish state today… It is not the case that the Jewish community is not alone… If they keep coming for the Jews… they may come for the Zionists. Very well, I am a Zionist. They make keep coming for the Israelis. Very well, I am an Israeli. They may come continuously for the Jews. Very well, I am a Jew. Am Yisrael Chai.” In this same speech Douglas makes clear his position that UK Hamas supporters should be treated like ISIS supporters and have their citizenry stripped and visas taken away. What an unbelievable statement.
The Jews may appear to be alone and that we have the whole world against us. The truth is that is just the algorithm’s version of the world. Yes, terrible attacks against Jews have been increasing. But for the first time the Jewish people are sure we will prevail. We are certain that the light will strip the darkness and that the world will come to order by the Grace of Hashem. This is the first time in our exile that we are in this position. Let us not give in to the fear Hamas wants to instill. Let us stand tall with God. As this week’s haftorah (Isaiah 41:11-12) reminds us, “Fear not, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your G-d; I strengthen you and I help you, I uphold you with My victorious right hand. Shamed and chagrined shall be all who contend with you; They who strive with you shall become as naught and perish.”
Dovidchai Abramchayev graduated with a BS in accounting from Lander College for men. He is pursuing a CPA and works in the NFP audit industry. In his spare time, Abramchayev learns Torah, philosophy, and theology.
The Current War – Making Room for Faith
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