This is my view at the moment. Jojo and Gabi watch over me as I work to get over another bout of sciatica. That’s the reason my posts have been sparse of late; sitting aggravates the nerve and makes things worse.
Illness is a spiritual challenge. Questions are natural: why me?
Our ancestors struggled with these questions. They played with many possible answers:
– Maybe illness is a punishment for sin?
– Maybe illness is a test from God?
– Maybe there are demons that cause illness?
– Maybe God isn’t paying attention?
– Does God care?
Today science explains the sources of some illness, but it doesn’t answer our spiritual questions.
I don’t believe that illness is a punishment or a test. Nor do I think it is a contest. My concept of God is a God who does not interfere with nature, a God who manifests in the the Unity behind Nature.
I am aging. I have old neglected injuries. Sometimes they are going to bother me. These are facts that I cannot change.
Besides these facts, I have choices. I can choose to be a mensch. I can choose to do my exercises. I can choose to use my time to study and rest.
Yesterday I learned a story. Prisoners in one of the Nazi camps asked a rabbi: “Since we are enslaved here, should we say the morning blessing thanking God that we are free?” The rabbi paused to consider. “Yes,” he replied, “Whatever they do to our bodies, our souls, our spirits are free.”
As our Passover approaches, let us all think about the gift of freedom. What shall we do with it?
Praying that you’ll feel MUCH better *very* soon, Rabbi Ruth. <3
Thank you so much, Cardinalrobbins – things are looking up! Shabbat shalom!
May you find rapid healing and light where there is darkness.
Pamela Fender Author Beside Myself-Recovery From My Family Betrayal and Estrangement-A Memoir
Sent from my iPhone. Please excuse any typos.
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Thank you, Pamela! Shabbat shalom!
I think God has nothing to do with that… As I think praying doesn’t help. What can help is the strengh and believe that comes with the praying .
I wish you the best. My strengh is with you.
Thank you very much! And thank you for reading and commenting! Shabbat shalom.
Thank you for doesn’t took me wrong 🙂
I dont know if you speak Portuguese but if you do, follow my blog. I’m a feminist hairstylist and thats what I wrote about.
I don’t read Portuguese but I have a friend who does. I will recommend your blog to her!
Very sorry for you to learn of your struggling again with a bout of painful ailment as is sciatica. So thankful that you are never out, as reading your blog posts is always such an inspiration!
Thank you, Otir! I wish you a lovely Shabbos!
Refua shelima, Rabbi. Your spirit soars and you always take me with you. Please feel better soonest. Thank you so much.
Thank you for the kind wishes, Cindy!
Dear Rabbi Ruth Adar. Sending positive vibrations while thinking of you. Nature gave us a herbal solution, becoming legal again, used since ancient times to relieve pain.
Thank you, Dennis! I wish you Shabbat Shalom!