Coronavirus is now officially a global pandemic. Suddenly we find ourselves smitten by a plague of biblical severity.
Passover asks us to remember the 10 plagues which God sent against the Egyptians. With the help of the Bible we know the purpose behind these afflictions of a people. God had a plan. Egyptian suffering had meaning. What makes our contemporary anguish so particularly unbearable is its seeming incomprehensibility.
In the age of the prophets there would’ve been an effort to discern some divine message in this global tragedy. But today we somehow assume that scientific knowledge precludes the possibility for including God as part of the management of the universe. After all who can argue with Louis Pasteur and Robert Koch who, in the latter half of the 19th century, proved the germ theory of disease – that pathogens too small to see without magnification are the true cause of illness. Germs are the villains and viruses are the sole reasons for the presence of diseases which determine whether we live or die.
And I dare to ask: Doesn’t belief in God demand that we merge the germ theory of disease with the conviction of faith in a supreme being who actually decides where, when and how far viruses spread?
When we are directed by doctors to wash our hands we are required to do so by Torah law.
Please understand exactly what I’m saying. Maimonides long ago made clear that it is our obligation to ensure our good health. We can’t simply rely on God; God has made us his partners in our quest for longevity. Hygiene is a mitzvah; it's an obligation. Taking care of our bodies is a spiritual requirement akin to protecting our souls. When we are directed by doctors to wash our hands we are required to do so by Torah law.
But the ultimate decision of life or death remains, as we make clear every year on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur when our fate is sealed, with the Almighty.
That is why I’m amazed that of the countless suggestions for how to counter and to cope with the coronavirus we hear so little of the word God and the possibility that this global pandemic brings with it a profound divine message.
I am obviously no prophet, but here is a thought that I think is worth considering and taking to heart. Every parent knows that one of the most obvious responses to a child’s misbehavior is what is commonly known as a “timeout.” The child is restricted from enjoying pleasurable activities. The child has his normal life disrupted. The child is encouraged to reflect upon his disobedience. Is it too much to consider that as our world continues to sink ever lower in our commitment to virtue that God responded with a virus that has forced millions into a “timeout” of quarantine and seclusion?
The 10 Commandments are the biblical source of the most basic system of ethical and moral behavior. They represent the primary justification for our continued existence on earth. And the commentators took note of a remarkable number. In the original Hebrew, the language in which the commandments were inscribed by God on the two tablets, there are exactly 620 letters.
620 would seem to be a number with no particular theological significance. It would’ve been perfect and readily comprehensible if there were exactly 613 letters in the 10 Commandments. Those are the numbers of mitzvot given to the Jewish people in the Torah. The 10 Commandments are the principles inherent in all of Jewish law. But what is the meaning of 620 letters? The rabbis explained. While the number of mitzvot for Jews is 613, the number seven represents universal law – what is commonly referred to as the seven laws of the descendants of Noah, required as a minimum for all of mankind. And 620 of course is the sum of 613 and seven, the totality of divine guidance for both Jews as well as the rest of the world.
The word corona – as in coronavirus – comes from the Latin word for crown.
The commentary does not end there. 620 is the gematria, the numerical value, of an important Hebrew word, keter, which means crown. A keter – a crown – is placed on top of every Torah scroll. The symbolism is obvious. The crown above the Torah demonstrates the relationship of the 10 Commandments to the rest of the Torah. From the 10 – in number of letters 620 – we have the principles which subsequently found expression in the entirety of the Torah.
The keter – the crown – is the most powerful symbol of our connection with God.
The word corona – as in coronavirus – comes from the Latin word for crown.
Perhaps we need to consider the world’s present affliction not just in the context of a disease caused by pathogens but as a divine message reminding us that we have been given our lives to invest them with meaning and virtue as defined by God's 10 Commandments.
(62) tami villalobos, January 13, 2021 11:22 AM
Thanks for your help
(61) Ann K., May 30, 2020 3:29 AM
G-d wouldn't...
At first I tried to come up with a reason for the virus. Biological terrorism, the virus escaping the lab in China, and a message being sent from up above telling the world to shape up and remember Who is in charge. But then I knew that G- d would not sanction so much suffering and death. So the question remains, but it is a good time to reassess and change.
(60) Anonymous, May 27, 2020 4:50 PM
You hit the nail right on the head.
I think the you are correct. We must be looking to G-d in all of this.
(59) Dom Reynolds, May 6, 2020 2:09 AM
The Word Corona = Crown
Very clever analogy, Rabbi. However the reason WE named it Coronavirus is because of how similar the physical attributes of the actual virus resembles a crown. If you saw a picture of the virus, it rests on top of a cell which it infects, hence the crown in the name.
(58) Moshe Schlass, April 23, 2020 7:09 PM
B"H Moshe Schlass
B"H The 7 last letters represent the 7 Rabbinical enactments,Channukah,Purim,Hallel,Blessings,washing hands before eating, shabbat candles,eruv on shabbat.
(57) graham, April 5, 2020 10:43 AM
My thoughts
hi i have heard this comparison of the crown Keter to the coronavirus several times that i feel is where the similarity begins and ends Even though G-D is in control of everything im not convinced that his helps people that are dieing from the virus and this is not a helpful analogy Thanks
(56) Anonymous, March 31, 2020 6:04 AM
The Real Media Bias
Just once, it could be nice if a journalist would ask a politician or scientist when he/she thinks the virus will abate, and he/she said:
"We can't really be sure. All we can do is make the effort to stop it and
let G-D take care of the results. We are just vessels to help find a
cure/vaccine."
I so agree with the Rabbi in being amazed at how little the media has dealt with the spiritual aspects of this crisis, whatever they may be. Yes there are those who urge prayer and there's comments about how this is bringing us altogether.
But in the thousands of questions and countless hours of coverage, next to nothing about the Source of everything, even if one doesn't agree with the
Rabbi's conclusion.
Perhaps this is positive, since a discussion of this issue could distort/confuse the role of G-D. But it does create a "bias" of some sort in which the virus is treated simply as a horrible illness instead of having some relation to G-D's involvement in the world.
(55) Anonymous, March 30, 2020 12:17 AM
Crown-corona
Crown is also put on a head of king. When king is declared a king that's called coronation. That's what we do on Rosh Hashanah. We declare Hashem is King of Kings.
(54) Carla Le Fever, March 25, 2020 3:09 AM
Thank You, God Bless All Of Us.
(53) Judy R., March 23, 2020 11:04 PM
G-d and the Coronavirus
Wow, your article is very profound and insightful. Also, everything you wrote is on point. I am a child of a Holocaust Survivor that passed away last year on 1 of Nissen, and in the time of the war she(obm) volunteered to work with patients with Typhus and only had alcohol on the way in and out of the make shift hospital. Also, she(obm) baked Mazto in the time of the Holocaust and took the risk, and brought a package to the Rabbi that was under the Nazis(may their name be erased) my mom(obm) Z"L was a very brave lady, and she(obm) had a lot of believe in Hashem and faith. I wish people had your type of faith, also my mother(obm) Z"L passed away on Shabbat, last year everything was kind of normal this year it is not. A lot of holy people that were Holocaust Survivors passed away,. Is there enough of righteous people in the world? Hashem is trying to tell us something important with this virus, Hashem is the boss and wears the crown not people, also Passover is coming and there is a plague except the 10 plagues we recite at the Seder. Hashem is like our parents and telling us to be at home and not be among a lot of people. Now, is like one a person has the disease you had to be secluded like Moshe's sister was in the desert, so it is like the bible that you can't be around people and stay in your tent. Thank you Rabbi for your very good article about the situation!
(52) Sandy, March 22, 2020 8:18 PM
Great read
If you believe in the points in this article or not, is it too much to hope our human race will take the time to reflect and transform into better versions of ourselves. We can only control our own choices, perhaps starting there and setting an example will create the wave we need to heed the obvious message being given to us all
(51) Barbara Johnson, March 20, 2020 3:21 PM
Excellent teaching thank you!
(50) Rona, March 19, 2020 11:24 PM
Not a Punishment But A Chance To Change
Rabbi Blech has said some profound things in this article. Maybe the Earth does need to be put into timeout to heal. Maybe people need to slow down and take stock of what they actually have within them and not keep grabbing for more. Maybe this is an enforced timeout to cleanse the planet. God does know and God controls everything. Love is the answer.
(49) Asea Robert Reuben, March 19, 2020 8:15 PM
COVID - 19 AND SPIRITUALITY
Yes it is not the first time the Known World is getting through such annihilation of totality. The first known World was destroyed by the rain waters. Time came when another world was destroyed by a certain disease in the days of David the King of Israel. All these situations have a "crown" to show. I do appretiate the Rabbi's explanation, and there is no better way to simplify this. While we may not categorically satisfactorily explain to the self made Scientists or elites, who GOD is, He told our ancestor Moses that HE was Who HE was. God always hates any one who competes with HIM in all ways.
Corona comes at a time when Scientists are busy competing with GOD to promote Homosexuality and other ungodly vices. God Hates that.
As time passes, drugs may never combat this corona while we have yet failed with HIV/AIDS, and yet another more deadly disease is knocking at the doorsteps of humanity.Human beings do not learn easily. Thank you Benjamin Blech.
(48) Mark, March 19, 2020 6:11 PM
How can this be under HaShem’s control?
Can someone please explain to me the reasoning behind the idea that this harmful deadly Coronavirus pandemic is somehow part of HaShem’s ultimate plan and wisdom? And if so, why should we praise and worship a divine being who would purposefully do such a thing? Can anyone explain this to me?
Chaya, March 22, 2020 2:18 PM
This might help
https://www.aish.com/sp/pg/God-is-Not-in-Quarantine.html?s=ss1&tab=y#
Your words and question have stayed with me for days. This article from Aish, may help. HaShem can be seen everywhere. He is right there with us.
I believe in Divine Providence, as a Jew, and I have Faith and Trust that everything HaShem does is for good, even if I can't understand it. And, I find comfort in knowing He is in charge, in every detail of our lives. I can't explain it beyond that. Please, look for Him and let Him in.
Mark Bulua, March 22, 2020 5:38 PM
Trying to Understand Hashem
Our great rabbis, such as the Chazon Ish, teach us that all comes from Hashem and that nothing happens by chance. Hashem is in control of the world. Obviously, no one is privy to the secrets of Hashem. When Mashiach (the Messiah) comes, we will then understand why Hashem allowed this plague to spread over the world. There is a parable of someone who showed a friend the back of a tapestry she wove and asked her opinion. The friend was shocked to see what a mess it was. Then the artist turned it over and it was revealed to be a masterpiece of art. We see what is happening and it seems to make no sense. One day, we will understand the reason for what happened. Moshe couldn't understand why when he was first sent to liberate the Jewish people, things only got worse. Later on, he praised Hashem with the same word he used originally to complain, because he realized that twas a purpose in things getting worse. It was so that the redemption would come sooner than was originally foretold. Faith doesn't mean everything will work out the way we want. It means that there is a Divine plan, and that ultimately, hopefully sooner than later, we will recognize it.
Daniel, March 24, 2020 6:58 PM
G-D runs the world
It is a core principle of Judaism that each persons life is completely in the hands of G-D. There is no other force or cause aside from G-D that brings to a person Health, wealth, blessings or their converse etc.
To question however why G-D brings suffering to people, is a question of antiquity. Our patriarch Abraham did not question G-D when he was commanded to sacrifice his son as an offering. Abraham knew that he was not greater than his creator who taught him the traits of mercy and kindness and possesses them in infinite measure. The book of Job/Iyov (one of the 24 books of scripture) is dedicated to understanding why bad can come upon the righteous. King David in psalms asks the same question. Moses asked this question and our sages have addressed this question.
There are many explanations given by our sages. However, after all is said and done, G-D know everything. From the beginning of this world until the end of this world. He knows from the beginning of time (G-D is not bound by time, which he created) each creature that he will create and their whole life. G-D told us his 13 attributes of mercy. It is inconceivable to think that G-D does not act justly. Rather, it is us who know literally nothing of what goes into each persons judgment, not G-D’s lack of knowledge or justness. Those who do good G-D guarantees that they will be rewarded in the next world, which is where reward and punishment is primarily dispensed.
Dvirah, March 29, 2020 6:50 PM
Subtle Clues
I can only point out that Israel had an unusually rainy winter in the year when much hand-washing - ie, use of water - became a necessity.
(47) Anonymous, March 19, 2020 10:07 AM
i've been twice to China...
for the record I have lived and worked in Shanghai and even Wuhan. Nice people albeit big cities. I like many things about China.
One thing though I saw that I didn't like was "ever min hachai" these live markets and how animals were stored and how they were consumed. Is this one of the 7 laws of Noah?
(46) David None Murillo, March 19, 2020 6:29 AM
Corona and G-D
Wow! Very insightful.
(45) Jeffrey Benkoe, March 18, 2020 4:45 PM
Excellent
Thank you Rabbi Blech.
(44) Anonymous, March 18, 2020 11:12 AM
Rabbi Blech's article
Thanks for the article. I find it comforting.
(43) DAVID Montefiore, March 18, 2020 10:34 AM
Rabbi Blech is spot on re Corona Virus
I would say, having been a Yeshivah Boy and part of the establishment [most of my life] - that there are two very strong mandates in the Torah that tell us to protect ourselves [that should supercede the desire to congregate] *"Ushmartem et noshoteichem" and *"Pikuach Nefesh" - they speak for themselves. Be smart, try to talk to God while sitting under a tree - I think He'll hear you! In the meantime enjoy the greatest gift of all - life!
Cantor David Montefiore
(42) H.E.Brown, March 17, 2020 9:19 PM
What's going on?
Today I set before you life and death. Which one will you choose. I chose long ago to trust God, no matter what. I'm 80 going on 81. That's why a made it this far. Trust in God. Went through WW2, Korea, Vietnam, 911, etc, etc. I choose God again to get us through. Could we be in the End Times written down in God's word? ??????.
(41) Annis Ragan, March 17, 2020 7:09 PM
Gangstalking/ Spiritually
I am noticing that more and more people are experiencing a slow retraction of our basic human rights, even concerning this coronavirus. Something in my gut tells me that we are not looking beneath the distractions that might include a plan to seduce us into being more and more controlled. Gang stalking is happening, and happening to me. How do we find the balance of what is intended to serve as boundaries of peace by the government, to upholding our basic human rights.
(40) Anonymous, March 17, 2020 4:57 PM
Share this with everyone
What's interesting is there was a song written about this many years ago:
Springtime in New York, your eyes met mine.
We passed on the street, we suspended time.
Everything can change in a moment.
We circle around each other. ¹
Why is this night different from all the others?
Why is this night different from all the others?
A fire burned through the city, ashes filled the sky.
Some of us would live, some of us would die. ²
I heard it wasn’t so long ago
when we were all sisters and brothers³.
Why is this night different from all the others?
Why is this night different from all the others?
Go down Moses, set my people free. ⁴
Let my people go so they may serve me.
Love is the mother of invention.⁵
Love invention mothers.
Why is this night different from all the others?
Why is this night different from all the others?
So we go walking, we’re on our way.
So we go walking home again.⁶
¹ All of a sudden, every aspect of life is different. We circle around each other, because we are unable to touch.
² Most people will survive the coronavirus, but some will not.
³ We are all separated now, due to the coronavirus. We used to be able to hug a friend like a sibling.
⁴ As we head into the Passover season, which celebrates our freedom, we are confined in quarantine.
⁵ It is the love of humanity that is causing people to respond to necessity with innovation in order to help others adapt to the coronavirus situation.
⁶ We are on our way to redemption. This situation will heal.
Anonymous, March 17, 2020 6:08 PM
The title of the song is Why Is This Night Different
(39) Anonymous, March 17, 2020 4:55 PM
This virus is really bad, and we must take it seriously!
(38) Mark Bulua, March 17, 2020 3:35 PM
Torah Code on Coronavirus
Rabbi Blech, Shlit"a, was my teacher at Yeshiva University many years ago. He taught us about a code system where every verse in the Torah is connected to its corresponding year. (starting with "In the beginning" as year 1) I wrote a sefer 15 years ago titled The Secret Code of Jewish Years based on Rabbi Blech's teaching and connected world events to their corresponding verse in the Torah. Being that Covid-19 (Coronavirus) is now a pandemic, on Friday, I looked at the corresponding verse in the Torah for this year, 5780, and was amazed. The verse, taken from Deuteronomy 32:24 says מְזֵ֥י רָעָ֛ב וּלְחֻ֥מֵי רֶ֖שֶׁף וְקֶ֣טֶב מְרִירִ֑י וְשֶׁן־בְּהֵמֹת֙ אֲשַׁלַּח־בָּ֔ם עִם־חֲמַ֖ת זֹֽחֲלֵ֥י עָפָֽר Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan’s translation from The Living Torah is: They will be bloated by famine, consumed by fever, cut down by bitter plague. I will send them fanged beasts (ie bats) and venomous creatures who crawel in the dust.”
This was forecasted thousands of years ago, by Hashem in the Torah! As we take every precaution including washing our hands multiple times every day, may we never lose sight of the fact that our well being ultimately lies in the "Hands" of Hashem.
May those ill have a speedy recovery,a רפואה שלמה, may we daven and pray that Hashem take this plague away, and may we merit the coming of Moshiach who will bring an end once and for all to every form of suffering.
(37) Leah, March 17, 2020 12:00 PM
Re: G-d and the Coronavirus
I agree with you, that it’s from G-d
(36) Erika kish, March 17, 2020 6:29 AM
So inspiring It was good to read timeout and Devine message, so reassuring for me thank you
(35) Cary Sprung, March 17, 2020 4:16 AM
One Of The Best Rabbinic Analyses
Thank You-so apropos
Kol Tuv
cs
(34) GEORGE NEILLE JOHN HART, March 17, 2020 3:04 AM
FIND CORONAVIRUS BOOK
PLEASE FIND BOOK FOR CORONAVIRUS
(33) Tzvi, March 16, 2020 8:56 PM
But is it really so?
Does not the Talmud conclude Ketubot 30a
?וצינים פחים בידי שמים נינהו
.והתניא הכל בידי שמים חוץ מצינים פחים
And are cold and heat at the hand of Heaven? Isn’t it taught in a baraita: All matters are at the hand of Heaven except for cold and heat,...
cold and heat are forms of harm caused by man, from which one can protect himself.
(32) NDAYISABA Eric, March 16, 2020 8:31 PM
Excellent work 4 encouragement, Teaching & exhortation!.
I really appreciate the teaching!. May God bless you so much!. Amen Amen!.
(31) Anonymous, March 16, 2020 12:21 PM
Best thing about the virus that I have seen yet
Yasher koach, Rabbi. This is the best and well-written article I have seen on this virus yet. Everything you said was right on target, both from a physical aspect and Torah-based. All of this needs to be taken to heart by each one of us. Thank you. Your article puts everything in the proper perspective.
(30) Susan Hamlin, March 16, 2020 4:03 AM
I have been trying to convey this for 6 years now
I have been trying to get people to see what they are doing to themselves and by not realizing that G-D has his hand in every event in the world today, in the past and even the future. Instead I see people being selfish and paranoid. If they would only see G-D created all things and He is in control of all things even diseases in the world. But people do not want to accept this. Instead they have no time for this kind of acceptance. One thing I did read in Michigan the shoppers left the pork behind. So maybe they are catching on at least some of them. I care what happens to people and what they do to themselves and G-D is a really big issue.
(29) Anonymous, March 16, 2020 3:09 AM
A Grim(m) fairy tale
Depending on their culture and beliefs so people put forward their own perspective. This one is just pure conjecture with no proof whatsoever. It is a convenient way to try and rationalise and explain all the pain in the World, which no Rabbi has been able to do for me. I have also been told that the world is less than 6000 years old, despite the huge weight of science to disprove this! What next are we to believe? Please..............
Reuven Frank, March 16, 2020 6:08 AM
Plenty of rationale
Dear Anonymous One
Shalom! I once saw a quote that the "believers" have to explain the existence of "pain" and suffering in the world.
The non-believers have to explain the existence of everything else.
As a scientist I have sought -- and FOUND -- explanations for the age of the Universe that satisfy me BOTH as a man of science AND as a man of belief.
There is an age given based on physics and relativity and other scientific concepts and precepts. (I can't give it to you here because I don't fully understand it but the Rabbis at Aish can.)
For me, there is a verse in Psalms saying that there were 974 "generations" before Adam and that this was the time of the creation and the dinosaurs et cetera.
My hope for you is that you do not give up seeking an answer FOR YOU!
Best of luck!
Dvirah, March 29, 2020 6:59 PM
Refer to Subtle Clues
Please see comment above "Subtle Clues".
(28) Bill, March 16, 2020 12:36 AM
Deleted comment
This comment has been deleted.
Al, March 16, 2020 3:11 AM
No one knows
The truth is nobody knows. Belief is not knowledge. Every religion and sect has its own views. But none truly know.
Rashid, April 20, 2020 9:45 AM
I agree with you
(27) Linda Eddy, March 15, 2020 10:37 PM
A heart perceived truth
If only we would have the same concern for our inward man as we do the flesh.
(26) Chaya, March 15, 2020 9:22 PM
More Inspiration to get Through
In addtion to the great articles on Aish, here is another resource. We will persevere together.
https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/4676981/trk/4676714/jewish/The-Coronavirus-Outbreak.htm
(25) Anonymous, March 15, 2020 8:34 PM
Thank you so much.
Thank you so much . Yr work and the course you gave on aish.com has very much inspired me. I pray for your wellbeing and hope to read more from you.
(24) Maurice Gaudreau, March 15, 2020 8:11 PM
Merci! Ce commentaire est très instructif et pertinent.
(23) Avi Ciment, March 15, 2020 8:05 PM
Another excellent message from my esteemed YU Rebbe
Thanks so much for posting this meaningful message during this trying time . Aish Rocks !
(22) Melvin Breite, March 15, 2020 8:04 PM
Gematria: the reason Hashem sent us COVAD 19 is because we showed no KOVOD for 18
(21) Anonymous, March 15, 2020 7:24 PM
Keter
The word "corona" means crown/keterin spanish.
(20) Anonymous, March 15, 2020 7:22 PM
I agree with your way of interpreting the current situation.
(19) Chana, March 15, 2020 7:10 PM
Makes perfect sense.
I like your analogy to the world being put on one big "time-out" by our ultimate parent, G-d! We can all relate to that and it makes perfect sense to me.
(18) Claudia Yohanna Meister, March 15, 2020 6:01 PM
Todah Rabah
I BE-LIVE
Anonymous, March 16, 2020 2:07 AM
Deleted comment
This comment has been deleted.
Al, March 16, 2020 5:15 AM
We all should have care and love for each other
Let us love our neighbours. We all come from the same God and as long as this hatred continues so will the World be as it is. hate begets hate just like the Corona Virus works.
When love becomes greater than hate the world will change for the better.
(17) Faith, March 15, 2020 5:39 PM
Population Control
Although my belief may sound rather crude I believe that diseases were put on Earth as a way of population control. If you look through the ages whenever one disease is “brought” to mankind what follows is death to many, but not all. (Survival of the fittest?). And, eventually a cure, or at least a way of making it manageable. Then, within a certain amount of time the process repeats itself. We are the ones that alter the original course: population control.
(16) Roger Gaon, March 15, 2020 5:33 PM
The explanation I just read is on point and perfect
Well said well written and explained Nothing to add. All blessings
(15) JIM CATLIN, March 15, 2020 5:00 PM
AMEN! AMEN! AMEN! A lot of truth in this. Let's look to God and not man.
(14) Anonymous, March 15, 2020 4:51 PM
Rabbi Blech, Your insights never cease to amaze me! Hashem should bless you and keep you safe and healthy!
(13) Miriam Baum Benkoe, March 15, 2020 4:50 PM
Excellent observations and connections to Torah
I've been waiting for your article on this topic and here it is. BH you never disappoint your readers. Keep safe, sending sanitized virtual hugs to you and Elaine.
(12) Moishe GoldsteinoiMoisheishe Goldstein, March 15, 2020 4:35 PM
Barf!
I have been anticipating theology such as this with dread. Shibbud Mitzraim was Divinely pre-announced in the Brit Beyn Habetarim. I must have missed the analogous fanfare for COVID 19!
Is the prospective benefit you cite proportionate to the societal, economic, theological and other disruptions and dislocations? Shall we thank God for all the mentally challenged whose slender balance will not survive this period.
When people really have nothing to say, they should observe the Talmudic maxim and shut up and devote themselves to helping the ill and potentially ill and eradicating this Disease, Godly or otherwise. Call it what it is, not a plague.
Harry, March 15, 2020 8:34 PM
Respect
You sound in pain. I am sorry. Still, respect is in place.
Anonymous, March 15, 2020 9:02 PM
The problem though
is that as much as I love gematria, and yes, we are in G-d's hands, always, always, caution must be exercised in how we word things, because it is too easy to start finger pointing. We don't need others blaming Jews for what happened in the Holocaust, for example, or saying we or anyone deserves what is happening, including the horrible, horrible massacres that have happened.
All that said, we have to find meaning, and have trust and faith, and return, but the most vulnerable, are suffering.
There was nothing disrespectful, really, and not everyone is required to agree with Rabbi Blech.
(11) Stanley Rosen, March 15, 2020 4:20 PM
Evil Men and Bioweapons Laboratories
Dear Rabbi,
There is a study called Geopolitics. In it The United Nations Agenda 21 and 2030 and the New World Order with their bioweapons labs caused the Corona Virus, not G-d. God loves us. Evil men want to destroy us with plans to reduce the population and destroy America, our only hope. However, I do strongly believe that God will help Good Men be victorious in the end.
Anonymous, March 15, 2020 8:36 PM
Not quite
Nothing in the world happens, neither good nor bad, without G-ds sanction.
Stan Rosen, March 15, 2020 9:08 PM
God Helps Those Who Help Themselves
God gave us Free Will to determine our own fate. It's up to us to take action to make this a better world even if we have to fight for it or else it just what happen.
Maribel, May 3, 2020 5:32 PM
Paranoia
It could all be lies.God said not to confide or put trust in man, it's the truth.
(10) Richard Diamond, March 15, 2020 3:47 PM
Do your BEST, then Hashem will do the rest
The virus challenge is not a science versus faith conversation. Viruses are part of the inherent design of Hashem's creation. Our current situation is due to forgetting the lessons we learned and being totally unprepared to respond properly. It's hubris and stupidity.
We don't start fires and then pray to Hashem to put them out. We practice fire prevention and have fire fighting plans and resources.. We have to do our very best and only then look to Hashem for the inspiration and energy to help us do even more.
Anonymous, March 15, 2020 8:41 PM
As R Blech said....
As R Blech said, we have to do our part, that is a mitzvah. But ultimately we control zilch. Success is not up to us. And incidentally there is no way to be prepared for every possible mutation of every virus. Not unless you are G-d which brings us full circle!
(9) Morton isaacs, March 15, 2020 3:41 PM
Ki Tisa Prediction
Given the current situation, "Ki Tisa" is oddly prescriptive. The opening in the JPS version states "...When you take a census... each shall pay a ransom for himself... that no plague shall come upon them." The country is taking a census now, and there is a plague in the land. I would urge every Jew to give an extra tzedakah contribution at this time.
(8) Carlos Olaaka, March 15, 2020 3:38 PM
God in control
This is a wake up call let those that have ears hear and those that have eyes see. The lord is in control of the situation the world needs to wake up.
(7) Anonymous, March 15, 2020 3:33 PM
I am a modern Orthodox Jew, who believes in Hashem, and always (I hope) express my gratitude to Him. However, I am very upset to read "our world continues to sink ever lower in our commitment to virtue that God responded with a virus that has forced millions into a “timeout” of quarantine and seclusion?" This is stating that there is reward and punishment, so are we to believe that thousands (maybe more) may die because of unvirtuous behaviour? I feel very upset at this "blinkered" view, and statements like that are certain to turn people away from religion.
Anonymous, March 15, 2020 8:45 PM
Reward and punishment is one of the 13 basic tenets of our faith. If you need help with that there were plenty or there who can help you. Being upset with the truth isn't a reflection on the truth but on you. I dont mean that the be snarky our hurtful. Just to say it as it is... Hatzlacha in finding the truth!
Anonymous, March 16, 2020 5:55 AM
Your views are not shared by many
You believe that others don't. If you need help with that, please seek it out. I have known chief rabbis and other religious people; who have devoted their lives to others; die in the most terrible way. Why are they being punished? Theories are tailored to suit the views of those who seek to rationalise their views which cannot be substantiated. This is one such example.
(6) Anonymous, March 15, 2020 3:29 PM
Excellent message. I have been telling all of God's people the answer is in OUR hands as 2 Chronicles 7:14 tells us. We always seek a physical answer when the problem is SPIRITUAL! Washing your hands is no substitute for washing your heart.
(5) Ahuva Artzi, March 15, 2020 3:13 PM
Finally!
Finally! Leave it to wonderful Rabbi Blech to divulge the Source of our plight and begin research on the purpose.
(4) Sam Omekara, March 15, 2020 3:09 PM
Corona confusion
Dear Rabbi, Your commentary on the pandemic corona virus leaves me more confused. I have been struggling to know if HaShem responds to prayers to him by mere mortal man. Now how do I understand HaShem's message to mankind by sending corona virus. I live in Africa where we seek the divine but evil, poverty, strife, hopelessness pervade the landscape. Fortunately, corona virus is not killing us in millions. Who can know the mind of G-d, when there are no prophets. Sam Omekara. MD
(3) Charmaine R, March 15, 2020 3:08 PM
Confirmation
The Holy Spirit had given me the thought that God wants our attention, He wants us to stop and pull over to connect with ourselves and enhance our relationships.
(2) Walter A Harris, March 15, 2020 3:03 PM
The supposition that the corona virus is G-d's punishment is nonsense.
I we believe that G-d is good, a father to us all, no good father exerts such extreme punishment on his children. G-d asked Abraham to sacrifice his child but stopped him before the evil deed was done. Who can possibly have faith or respect for a father who would punish not only his wayward child(ren) but even his innocent children along with them? Surely not the G-d I believe in.
Anonymous, March 15, 2020 8:51 PM
Not agreeing with G-d doesnt make G-d wrong. What we with our limited vision and understanding think to be fair is really irrelevant. For eg G-d fortold the Holocaust. Its in the tochacha in the Bible. Do we like it? No. Do we understand why and how its fair? Possibly not. S
Does it change the fact that G-d warned us and that it IS His doing? Of cpurse not!
Steve Tan, March 15, 2020 9:10 PM
How do you know?
How can you know G-d's plan? How can you say who is innocent and who is guilty? How can you see what G-d sees? The only thing you can do is have faith and resist the temptation to give in to despair.
(1) Anonymous, March 15, 2020 2:51 PM
Beautiful
I love to remember in times of turmoil GD is where we should turn to.