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Asking tough questions

Rabbi Eliezer Zalmanov

Updated: Jan 23

Think about a time when life felt really hard. Maybe you lost a job, got sick, or had a big fight with someone you love. It’s normal to feel upset and ask, “Why is this happening to me?” Even Moses, the greatest leader of all time, asked G-d tough questions. Yet, G-d didn’t dismiss Moses’s feelings. Instead, He reminded Moses that there’s a bigger picture and that everything will lead to good in the end.


So, what can we do when things feel dark? Let’s start small. Have you ever done something kind for someone, even when you didn’t feel like it? Maybe you dropped off soup for a sick friend or helped someone carry their groceries. These small acts are like lighting a candle in a dark room. They don’t fix everything, but they make the world a little brighter. That’s one way we can see G-d’s presence—through our own actions.


Another way is to look to our ancestors for inspiration. Abraham stood up for what was right, even when everyone else thought he was crazy. Isaac showed incredible trust and courage when he was almost sacrificed, and Jacob found G-d in the middle of his struggles. Their stories teach us that even when we can’t see G-d, He’s still there, waiting for us to notice Him.


But how do we get better at noticing G-d? First, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Judaism teaches us that questioning isn’t a bad thing. It’s a way to connect with G-d. When we ask “Why?” or “How can this be good?” we’re starting a conversation with Him. Just like Moses did, we can question and still trust that G-d is good.


Second, take small steps. When life feels overwhelming, doing even one small positive thing can help. Try saying a short prayer, giving charity, or helping a neighbor. Think of it like planting seeds in a garden. You might not see results right away, but over time, those seeds will grow and bring beauty to your life and the world.


Third, remember the bigger picture. The Jewish people have faced hard times for thousands of years, yet we’ve never given up hope. That hope comes from believing in G-d’s promises. Every generation has passed down this hope like a torch in the darkness. When you feel alone, remember that you’re part of this incredible chain of faith and resilience.


Finally, don’t forget that tough times aren’t the end of the story. G-d promises that redemption will come, and we can help make it happen by bringing goodness into the world. This doesn’t mean waiting around for miracles. It means creating little moments of light and hope right now, even in the smallest ways.


Finding G-d in tough times doesn’t mean pretending everything’s okay. It means holding onto two truths: life can be hard, and G-d is still good. This balance helps us live with hope and purpose, even when we don’t have all the answers.


The story of the Exodus isn’t just ancient history. It’s a guide for our lives today. Just as G-d led our ancestors through their struggles, He’s guiding us through ours. By following their example and doing our best to bring light into the world, we can see G-d’s presence even now.


Together, we can make the darkness brighter and bring closer the day when everyone will see G-d’s goodness shining everywhere.

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