Tuesday, December 02, 2008

A Language That He Does Not Understand

Evil is not essentially evil but a good we cannot see. Although certain events may appear to be evil, this does not express their essential character but only reflects our insufficient understanding. This can be compared to one who is being addressed lovingly but in a language that he does not understand. No matter how many affectionate words are spoken to him, he may experience anger, frustration, the feeling that he is wasting his time, and so forth. Similarly, because we are incapable of understanding, certain levels of goodness that G-d draws down to us appear as imperfect and evil.

(Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz)