Section 1: Understanding of the Jewish Theology of Suffering
During the Holocaust extremely destructive and tragic events shook the history of Judaism across the world and, in particular, Germany. Anti-Semitism had heavily influenced the Nazi siege focused on eliminating/ exterminating the Jewish race. Human dignity was mocked during the rise of Hitler and the Nazi party occupying Poland as the Jews were put through forced labour, to result in the demolition of such human group. A large number of Jews had lost faith and hope during the horrific time spent in death camps, while others grew closer to God in their suffering. “A God who limits himself to actions that we humans can understand couldn’t possibly be God” -A Hasidic Master: Moshe …show more content…
When faced with much monstrosity as a consequence of their religion and what they stood for, doubt and questioning were bound to occur. In the beginning (as believed by Catholic’s) God created the world and it remained worthy. “God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good.” (Genesis 1:31). Humans were created and the moment sin came to be, the world became imperfect. God’s protection from suffering and death had escaped and disappeared as we grew apart from Him. Humanity has expanded and evolved greatly but throughout our growth we face pain. I question the reasoning behind the cruelty brought upon innocent human beings, and how it had taken God away from their lives, some forever; but the endurance kept them fighting. Suffering can be viewed in two main ways: natural and moral. Natural, being laid upon us and moral being influenced by others doings. Catholics believe when suffering we are able to get closer to God and ask of his assistance through difficult times, so that when directed by Him, we may repent and continue living in faith. (Cross, Bryan. "A Catholic Reflection On the Meaning of Suffering". Called to Communion. August 9th 2009) The establishments in the Talmud and the Bible mentions the rights as humans we are automatically qualified to. Questioning God (although not ideal for those who practise religion) can be viewed negatively, however it was through queries, the world was introduced to new ideas. The sorrow and grief from the holocaust (1945) had sparked the UN to assemble and create the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. I believe through this proceeding God showed his involvement to save and comfort those who suffered. The Jews were active in the support for the establishment of the human rights and the role it played in countries that contributed and participated. Shelomo Dov Goitein
During the Holocaust extremely destructive and tragic events shook the history of Judaism across the world and, in particular, Germany. Anti-Semitism had heavily influenced the Nazi siege focused on eliminating/ exterminating the Jewish race. Human dignity was mocked during the rise of Hitler and the Nazi party occupying Poland as the Jews were put through forced labour, to result in the demolition of such human group. A large number of Jews had lost faith and hope during the horrific time spent in death camps, while others grew closer to God in their suffering. “A God who limits himself to actions that we humans can understand couldn’t possibly be God” -A Hasidic Master: Moshe …show more content…
When faced with much monstrosity as a consequence of their religion and what they stood for, doubt and questioning were bound to occur. In the beginning (as believed by Catholic’s) God created the world and it remained worthy. “God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good.” (Genesis 1:31). Humans were created and the moment sin came to be, the world became imperfect. God’s protection from suffering and death had escaped and disappeared as we grew apart from Him. Humanity has expanded and evolved greatly but throughout our growth we face pain. I question the reasoning behind the cruelty brought upon innocent human beings, and how it had taken God away from their lives, some forever; but the endurance kept them fighting. Suffering can be viewed in two main ways: natural and moral. Natural, being laid upon us and moral being influenced by others doings. Catholics believe when suffering we are able to get closer to God and ask of his assistance through difficult times, so that when directed by Him, we may repent and continue living in faith. (Cross, Bryan. "A Catholic Reflection On the Meaning of Suffering". Called to Communion. August 9th 2009) The establishments in the Talmud and the Bible mentions the rights as humans we are automatically qualified to. Questioning God (although not ideal for those who practise religion) can be viewed negatively, however it was through queries, the world was introduced to new ideas. The sorrow and grief from the holocaust (1945) had sparked the UN to assemble and create the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. I believe through this proceeding God showed his involvement to save and comfort those who suffered. The Jews were active in the support for the establishment of the human rights and the role it played in countries that contributed and participated. Shelomo Dov Goitein