There’s an old saying that everything happens for a reason.

In this week’s Torah portion, Vayigash, Joseph finally reveals his identity to his brothers.

The brothers are overcome by shame and remorse for what they did to Joseph. But Joseph says something very interesting to them. Joseph says, “It was not you who sent me here, but G‑d. It has all been ordained from Above.”

Some people believe that God is in control of everything. To them I ask, “where was God at Sandy Hook elementary school?” Was it God’s plan that children be murdered? What it God’s plan that a young man be mentally ill?

If it is part of God’s plan, then what could this possibly say about our God?

And if this wasn’t part of God’s plan, then does God have a plan at all?

And if God doesn’t have a plan, then what does it mean for God to be God?

Some people [Read more…]