In our world, which sometimes feels chaotic and full of darkness, it's natural to question why bad things happen. But there's a profound truth that can change how we view negativity: nothing in G-d's world is purely evil. Even what appears as wrongdoing or sin has a deeper purpose in the divine plan.
Think about it like this: G-d, who created everything with infinite kindness and wisdom, wouldn't allow something to exist solely for destruction. What we see as "bad" in the moment is often like a seed being buried in dark soil – it looks like decay, but it's actually the beginning of new growth. Every challenging situation, every misstep, has the potential to awaken something greater within us and in the world.
This is why we approach G-d with hope and trust, asking Him to see beyond our surface-level actions to the potential for transformation hidden within them. Just as a parent knows their child's true nature beyond their mistakes, G-d sees the spark of goodness within every situation, waiting to be revealed. When we view our challenges through this lens, we can begin to understand how even our struggles can ultimately lead to greater light and blessing in the world.
I heard a great story: Almost ten years ago, Daniel Cohen was just waiting for a bus in Rishon Lezion when ... A terrorist attacked him from behind, stabbing him viciously. As Daniel was rushed to Asaf Harofeh hospital, something incredible happened. While repairing the damage from the stabbing, doctors discovered a life-threatening tumor that would have gone undetected. In saving his life from the attack, they ended up saving him from cancer too.
Here's what really got me thinking: When the terrorist was brought to trial, he actually quoted from the story of Yosef in the Torah. You know, where Yosef tells his brothers who sold him into slavery: "You intended evil against me, but G-d designed it for good." The terrorist tried to claim this justified his actions. Of course, it doesn't work that way – he chose to do evil and must face the consequences. But the parallel teaches us something profound about how G-d works in our world: even in our darkest moments, there can be a hidden purpose we can't see yet.
Sometimes life's biggest blessings come disguised as our greatest challenges. While we never justify evil actions, we can find comfort in knowing that G-d can weave even our hardest moments into something meaningful. It's not about understanding why bad things happen – it's about trusting that even in our darkest moments, G-d has a greater plan.
Have a good Shabbos,
Rabbi Kushi Schusterman