By the Grace of G-d 14th of Sivan, 5731 Brooklyn, N.Y.

Greeting and Blessing:

You write about the distracting thought brought about by the passing of your father, may he rest in peace, why should people suffer, since G-d is all good, etc.

Needless to say, no human being, as a created being, can understand the ways of G-d, the Creator. This should not be surprising, considering that there is no common denominator between the Creator and the created. By way of a simple illustration: it would not be surprising that a young child could not grasp an intricate mathematical problem or a concept put forth by a professor. Bear it in mind that the difference between the child and the grown up scholar is only a relative one, since both are human beings, and the young child could one day come up, or even surpass, the level of the adult scholar. But the difference between G-d and man is of course absolute and infinite, while the human mind is finite and limited. It is only that in certain areas G-d Himself has revealed some of His ways and attributes, etc., in the Torah, which He has given us and which is called Toras Chaim, being the true guide in life; the eternal Torah that transcends time and space. And He has also given us the Torah and mitzvot through which we can gain deeper insights into the infinite aspects of G-d's Will and Providence.

Having just come from Shovuos, the Festival of our Receiving the Torah, we are again reminded that the underlying basis of our approach is that of naaseh (first, and then) v'nishma. In other words we must accept G-d's Will unquestioningly, and with complete faith, and not let any distracting thoughts interfere with the observance of the Torah and mitzvot the daily life. This is also emphasized in the Talmud, in the commentary on the verse, “The wholeheartedness of the upright shall lead them." (Prov. 11:3). See it there (Shabbos 88 a/b).

Since you write that you have regular period of Torah study, I trust it is unnecessary to elaborate on the above to you. I hope you are making steady efforts to go from strength to strength in the Torah and mitzvot in the daily life, since all matters of goodness and holiness have to be on the ascendancy.

I was pleased to note the good news that you have become engaged to be married, and I trust that both you and your fiancé are resolved to establish your home on the foundation of the Torah and mitzvot. May G-d grant that the preparations for your marriage, as well as the marriage itself should be in a happy and auspicious hour.

Enclosed is a copy of a recent message to the Jewish women. And although this would appear to be more pertinent to your fiancé, it surely is closely relevant to both partners in the establishment of a Jewish home, a Binyan Adei Ad.

With blessing,