First we worried about our economy. Then we worried about our money, and last, but not least, we now worry about our health. We are hearing frightening reports of a swine flu attacking the world at a record pace. It sounds really treif – something is not kosher. A little earthquake here, a bigger one there, is really not good news. But this is worldwide.
Instead of Israeli Deputy Health Minister, Yakov Litzman, saying that the pig reference is offensive to the Jewish and Muslim religions religious leaders should comment. The Almighty is sending us a message, a wake up call. What the message is and why things are happening is not totally in the clergyman’s power. But we mustn’t accept things as random happenings, or accidents. When worldwide disasters happen then even the insurance companies call it “acts of G‑d.”
Religion firmly believes that things are pre-destined. If something happens then there is a message, a call for change and introspection. Some clergy claim that the latest moves by government in redefining mainstream marriage to include same sex marriages, etc, has caused the swine flu pandemic, cutting through barriers of countries and continents. After all, there is a Divine plan of cause and effect. Same sex marriages are treif. But why then should innocent children be afflicted with the swine flu? So we really don’t know G‑d’s plans. Reward and punishment are for the early day prophets.
One of the ways to deal with all the troublesome news is to recognize that faith in the Divine is where logic and wisdom ends. As we are physically, mentally, and religiously challenged we are to turn to the Almighty and realize that the world message is to renew our commitments to the seven universal Noahide laws. In brief, they are the belief in G‑d, do not blaspheme, do not murder, do not commit adultery or incest, do not steal, avoid cruelty to animals, and to establish courts of justice to enforce the laws. If world governments could abide by the universal Noahide laws we would see a lot less of man made cruelty and be worthy of G‑d’s blessings, a sound economy, financial stability, and continued good health. This would be a great world stimulus plan.