Question: How can Jews continue to believe in God after the Holocaust?
Dear Rabbi,
How can Jews continue to believe in God after the Holocaust? Even if Jews in the Holocaust did believe in eternal reward, how would one justify the suffering here in earth?
Sincerely, Helen
Answer: Dear Helen,
Your question is a tremendous one and cannot be properly or thoroughly answered in this forum. I will however share with you my underlying approach to these issues.
God gives man free choice. Man can do whatever he wants with his resources or talents. For example, one can focus one's efforts on repairing the world, feeding the hungry, or constructing gas chambers for mass murder.
God's role in this world is not to intervene on every issue that goes against his will. He is not a policeman. He created the world, gave us instructions (the Torah) and set the world on somewhat of an 'auto pilot' mode. He watches and judges our every move with ultimate punishment and reward reserved for the Next World.
Best wishes,
Rabbi Ari Enkin
Ramat Beit Shemesh, Israel