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Why Bad Things Happen to Good People? -Rabbi Manis Friedman

Jewish Learning Institute・38 minutes read

Accepting new information opens up possibilities and celebrating learning rather than doubting can lead to growth and understanding, aligning with the idea that nothing truly bad ever occurs in life due to events being part of a divine plan.

Insights

  • Doubt restricts growth while accepting new information opens up possibilities, as exemplified by the initial skepticism towards kangaroos reported by an explorer in Australia.
  • Belief in the divine plan and the alignment of fact and truth can aid in survival and enduring hardships, showcasing the importance of finding purpose in events to overcome distress and suffering.

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Recent questions

  • What did the explorer report seeing in Australia?

    Kangaroo

  • How should one respond to new information according to the summary?

    Celebrate learning

  • What is the significance of aligning fact and truth according to the summary?

    End of suffering

  • How does belief in divine plan aid in enduring hardships?

    Survival

  • What is the ultimate goal of addressing injustices according to the summary?

    Improve the world

Related videos

Summary

00:00

Accepting Kangaroos: Embracing New Discoveries

  • An explorer goes to Australia and reports seeing an animal that hops on its hind legs and carries its young in a pouch.
  • Initially, people doubt the explorer's story, but eventually, kangaroos are accepted as real.
  • The intelligent response to new information is to celebrate learning something new rather than doubt it.
  • Doubt is unnecessary in life and restricts growth, while accepting new information opens up possibilities.
  • In science, proof is crucial, but in life, proof is not always necessary or applicable.
  • Fact and truth are distinct concepts, with fact being the reality as it is and truth as it should be.
  • The Chabad movement under Stalin exemplified the importance of dealing with facts while believing in the truth.
  • The coming of Mashiach signifies the alignment of fact and truth, leading to the end of suffering and the resolution of past pain.
  • The question of why bad things happen to good people is explored, with the conclusion that nothing truly bad ever occurs.
  • The definition of "bad" is contingent on whether an event aligns with God's plan, rather than personal perceptions of good or bad.

24:56

"Belief in divine plan aids survival"

  • Nothing can happen without it being part of God's plan, ensuring that nothing bad has ever occurred.
  • Pain and tragedy do not make people give up on life; the thought that something shouldn't have happened is what causes distress.
  • Victor Frankl observed that those who believed in a purpose behind events survived better than those who thought the world had gone mad.
  • Belief that everything happens by divine plan aids in survival and helps individuals endure hardships.
  • Complaining about injustice is a natural response, even if one understands the reason behind the suffering.
  • Jews complain despite knowing that everything is part of a divine plan, showcasing sensitivity and decency.
  • Abraham's objection to the destruction of Sodom exemplifies the Jewish tendency to complain even when understanding the situation.
  • Elie Wiesel's response to questions about the Holocaust highlights the discomfort in seeking explanations for tragedies.
  • The purpose of morality is to alleviate suffering, hunger, ignorance, and pain, emphasizing the need to address injustices.
  • The ultimate goal is to elevate the wrong, sweeten the bitter, and bring light to darkness, encouraging individuals to improve the world despite its flaws.

47:22

"Jewish suffering, free will, divine intervention"

  • Jews are a minority, often facing oppression and suffering throughout history.
  • A priest questions why Jews suffer so much, leading to a discussion on Jewish suffering.
  • Free will is discussed, emphasizing that one's choice doesn't guarantee the outcome.
  • Yosef's story illustrates that bad intentions don't necessarily lead to harm.
  • Rockets fired by terrorists often don't cause harm due to divine intervention.
  • Every choice, even if it doesn't have a direct consequence, holds significance.
  • Good deeds are seen as potentially hastening the arrival of the Messiah.
  • Urgency is stressed in bringing about positive change to reduce suffering in the world.
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