Outline and explain Jewish theological and philosophical responses to the Holocaust.

University Degree Historical and Philosophical studies

Louise Blacklock

Centre No: 17637

Judaism Coursework

R1) Outline and explain Jewish theological and philosophical responses to the Holocaust.

The word Holocaust comes from the Latin word Holo, “to burn” or to be “burnt”. Holocaust literally means ‘burnt sacrifice”, the Hebrew word for Holocaust is “Shoah”. During the Second World War six million Jews were murdered, this was one third of the world’s Jewish population. This left Jews with a huge theological problem, this problem was in the form of a question.

There is one question that Jewish people have had to face ever since the Holocaust happened. This question was asked of the Jews and also by the Jews of themselves. The question is: “How can a G_d that is meant to be all-loving and all-powerful allow such an event as the Holocaust to happen to his people?”

Jews believe in the G_d of classical theology but they also believe that G_d has specifically chosen them to be his special people. This G_d is believed to be omnipresent (everywhere), omnipotent (all-powerful), omnibenevolent (all-loving/all-good) and omniscient (all-knowing). This was a problem for some Jews as they felt a G_d that had all of these qualities should have been able to save or protect them from the evil that was displayed through the Holocaust. Because of this people have responded differently to whether G_d exists or not. There are three main responses to the Holocaust. These are, to give up belief in G_d all together (atheism), change your idea of G_d (G_d is not the G_d of classical theology), or hold onto the traditional idea of G_d (G_d is the G_d of classical theology).

The “Atheism” response is the response that G_d does not exist, and that he has never existed. The argument for this response is that if a G_d that is all-loving and all-powerful existed then he would have been able to see that his people were suffering and he would have been able to protect them from the suffering. The Holocaust allowed previous atheists to confirm their beliefs, but also forced some Jewish people to ask the question, “Does G_d exist?” and their response to this was “No.” Some Jews that have held on to the belief of G_d believe that the atheism response shows a moral bankruptcy of human beings.

An example of someone who agrees with this argument is Elie Wiesel. Wiesel describes his views in a variety of novels using religious writings as references. Wiesel uses Job as an example of when G_d turned against his people. Wiesel called his traditional view of G_d into question, as he could no longer understand how a G_d that he believed to be omnipotent, just and caring could allow the torture and suffering endured by the innocent and faithful. In the story of Job, Job confronts G_d and asks him why he made Job feel worthless and how he had found the acknowledgement of G_d’s greatness unconvincing. Wiesel concludes that Job did not suffer in pain and that thanks to him we know that it is up to us to transform divine justice into human justice and compassion. Wiesel also points out that to give up your belief in G_d is to say that the whole history of Judaism is incorrect. For a Jew, says Wiesel, it is far more difficult to escape from G_d and it is not a decision taken lightly.

The second response is the response saying, “G_d is not the G_d of classical theology.” People who believe this also asked themselves the question, “Does G_d exist?” and their response to this was “He exists, but not as we previously believed.” They believe that G_d is special but not that he is omnipotent. Their reasoning for this is that if G_d was omnipotent then he could have prevented the Holocaust from happening and thus prevented his people from suffering. They now believe in a G_d that chose the world and then tried to do the best he could. He failed at this and so therefore can not be omnipotent (all-powerful). The change in the idea of G_d is that G_d does not have unlimited power. This is known as Process Theology. They do not believe that G_d is omnipotent, but because he is active in human history he must therefore exist. This response allows people to still believe in G_d but allows them to have their own beliefs about G_d. A quote from a survivor of the Holocaust demonstrates the idea of Process Theology:

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‘The SS hanged two Jewish men and a youth in front of the whole camp

the men died quickly, but the death throes of the youth lasted for half an

hour “Where is G_d, where is he?” someone asked behind me. As the

youth still hung in torment in the noose after a long time I heard the man

call again “Where is G_d now?” And I heard a voice inside myself answer

“Where is he, he is here, he is hanging there on the gallows.” ’

This quote demonstrates ...

This is a preview of the whole essay

‘The SS hanged two Jewish men and a youth in front of the whole camp

the men died quickly, but the death throes of the youth lasted for half an

hour “Where is G_d, where is he?” someone asked behind me. As the

youth still hung in torment in the noose after a long time I heard the man

call again “Where is G_d now?” And I heard a voice inside myself answer

“Where is he, he is here, he is hanging there on the gallows.” ’

This quote demonstrates that God could not prevent the suffering of the youth so G_d therefore has unlimited power, but because G_d could not prevent the suffering G_d came to the youth and suffered with him. This means G_d did not abandon the Jews during the Holocaust and that he showed love towards them, showing that he was still all loving and so they have kept their belief that G_d exists.

A variation of this argument is the argument of Richard Rubenstein. Rubenstein states that Judaism is based on the principle that G_d entered into an agreement or covenant with Moses and the people of Israel. The people agreed to obey His laws, since G_d was their deliverer; they would be His people, He would be their G_d. Rubenstein said that the existence of G_d was not the issue so this did not have to be proved or disproved. Though after the Holocaust it seemed likely, if He existed, G_d did not take part in the modern world as he did not ‘leap into history’ to alter the events.

Rubenstein follows the idea of Deism. This states that G_d was there at the beginning but has now left the human race to do things themselves. G_d is likened to a toy maker. A toy maker makes the toys but then surrenders his responsibility as the toy is sold and never returns to interfere. Rubenstein’s views are not atheistic; he never implied that G_d had never existed. Rubenstein did not agree that the Holocaust was an extension of God’s biblical action, and so Rubenstein concluded that G_d was simply not present in the modern world. Rubenstein does not think G_d has changed he believes that G_d, like the toy maker surrendered His responsibility. Rubenstein likened this absence to a ‘death’. Though refused to state “G_d is dead” as this reflects the death of Jesus in the Christian religion and so gives the impression that G_d will return, though He will not as the toy maker does not interfere once the toy has been sold.

The third main response says, “G_d is the G_d of classical theology.” After the Holocaust some people still had belief in G_d and had never doubted G_d, though others had asked themselves the question, “Does G_d exist?” and they then considered this. After serious consideration they still had belief in the G_d of classical theology. There are many arguments for the existence of the G_d of classical theology. These are, the “free-will” argument, the “G_d is testing us” argument and also the “Faith” argument.

The “free-will” argument says that G_d has given us free will (a choice in what we do). The reason G_d has done this is because he is omnibenevolent (all-loving). They say you have to ask yourself, “Would you rather live like a robot or live without suffering?” This argument has many for and against arguments to it, as G_d has to do two contradicting things to be omnibenevolent (all-loving). Depending on your answer to the question depends on whether you believe that G_d is omnibenevolent for allowing suffering.

The “G_d is testing us” argument is the argument that claims we have been put in a world full of suffering by G_d because he wants us to grow up and become more mature. They say that G_d could have made a hedonistic paradise if he wanted us to have a good time, but he has not so therefore we are not here to have a good time. They claim we must endure the suffering and pain we encounter through our lives on earth to get to the paradise G_d has created for us and then realise what we have been working towards. There is one problem with this argument and that is we have to try and make sense of something that does not make sense. They are claiming that G_d is omnibenevolent by allowing us to suffer to get to paradise.

The “Faith” argument says that the problem of suffering does not make sense and that there are no easy answers but that the point of faith is to hold onto G_d even though we do not understand. The story of Job demonstrates this. Job is very rich and high up in his community. One day G_d makes a deal with the Devil and the Devil takes away his status and riches. But Job still trusts and believes in his G_d and never doubts G_d even though pressure is placed on to him from family and friends when they ask him how he can believe in a G_d that has made him suffer. Job still believes in his G_d and is rewarded by being given twice what he had before. This demonstrates that if G_d is putting you through hard times there is a reason and you must believe and trust in him and G_d will then reward you.

An example of someone who agrees with the faith argument is Eliezer Berkovits. Berkovits felt that those who argued for the ‘death of G_d’ view saw only the horror of the events. They were, he said, ignoring the persistence of faith in so many. Berkovits thinks it is okay to challenge G_d and religion, but thinks it must be done within a faith because your faith is what allows you to question religion and G_d. Berkovits adds: “It is only the person who has faith who will bother to question G_d about suffering.”

The philosophical response to the Holocaust challenges the “Faith” argument by saying; “The G_d of classical theology does not exist. Surely if a G_d that is all-loving and all-powerful existed then he would have been able to see that his people were suffering and he would have been able to protect them from this suffering.” Philosophers say, “The only excuse for G_d is that he does not exist. G_d is dead.”

R2) Explain how the Holocaust might affect the lives of Jewish communities and individuals today.

The Holocaust was the mass slaughter of Jews which communities and individuals have struggled to come to terms with. Over six million Jews, a third of the world’s Jewish population were killed during the Second World War and there is no doubt that this shattered communities. As well as shattering communities there is no doubt that the effects of this have also effected individuals but some were effected to a greater extent than others.

Jewish individuals were not just effected physically they were effected mentally as well. Jewish people were faced with the question, “Where was G_d and where is G_d now?” There were many responses to this. Some held onto their belief of G_d but many lost their belief or altered their ideas of what or who G_d is.

An example of an individual who held onto his belief of G_d is Rabbi Hugo Gryn. Rabbi Hugo Gryn was 16 at the time when Adolf Hitler started “The Final Solution”. He was put into a concentration camp and lied about his age in order to survive, his brother also lied but was not believed and so was killed. Hugo Gryn’s reason for holding onto his belief of G_d was, the whole history of Judaism involves G_d. To become an atheist is saying that you reject the whole history of Judaism not just the history after the Holocaust.

It is probable that the Holocaust is much more significant for Jewish people than the two world wars are for British people. The memory of the Holocaust is still in the minds of those who lived through it but also in the minds of those who were born after the Second World War and maybe know of lost family members.

For young Jewish people today the Holocaust is remembered much more than the two world wars are by young British people today. Unlike the Second World War where older people tend to remember events or know events more than younger people, young Jewish people remember, know and understand events that happened during the Holocaust along with older Jewish people.

Individuals have had to deal with not only the loss of many loved ones and friends but also the loss of hope and faith. They have had to move on, (not forget), but move on from what has happened but at the same time they have had to rebuild their faith and their hope.

With the murder of over six million Jews there is no doubt that Jewish communities were effected. At the end of the Second World War Jewish communities in Germany were left with no synagogues or Holy Scriptures as a result of “Kristalnacht”. With all the synagogues burnt to the ground and all their Holy Scriptures destroyed the Jewish people had to decide what to do next. They had to begin the rebuilding of their communities while at the same time rebuilding their lives.

It has always been important for Jewish communities to uphold the memory of the six million Jewish people murdered during the Second World War. In order to do this a monument named Yad Vashem was erected to remember those who died. In Germany there is also an “Avenue” of trees, this is to represent an “Avenue” of Righteousness. Each tree represents a righteous gentile. A Gentile is a person who is a non-Jew but helped a Jewish person. There is now a Holocaust Remembrance Day (Yom Hashoah) where people visit Yad Vashem. There is now a charity that has been set up and is dedicated to keeping the memory of the six million alive.

Remembering the victims of the Holocaust is vitally important to all Jewish communities. Jews of different experiences or outlooks are still committed to looking after the memory of those who perished at all the camps set up by Hitler. Those who surrendered their lives rather than give up their Judaism are called Kedoshim “holy ones”. They died simply because they were Jewish. Many now try to make sense of this by regarding the whole slaughter as Kiddush Hashem - Sanctifying the name of G_d. The film “Schindler’s List” is an example of an attempt to keep alive the memories of the events and the memories of the victims.

“Please do not allow the Holocaust to remain a footnote in history. Please teach

this in your schools. Please listen to the words, the echoes and the ghosts.”

This quote from Steven Spielburg shows how important it is that a significant event such as the Holocaust is kept alive for many years to come.

The creation of the State of Israel is thought of as the one good thing that has come out of the Holocaust. Now the Jews have a land to call their own they pray it will never happen again. This has helped them to rebuild their hope, faith and lives.

R3) “It is impossible to hold on to belief in G_d in the light of the events of the Holocaust”. Do you agree? Give reasons to support your opinion and show that you have thought about different points of view. You must refer to Judaism in your answer.

As I have found out there were many responses to the holocaust. Some people found it impossible to hold on to their belief of God while others did find it possible and still have belief in G_d today.

Before the Holocaust Judaism believed in the G_d of classical theology. This G_d was believed to be omnipresent (everywhere), omnipotent (all-powerful), omnibenevolent (all-loving/all-good) and omniscient (all-knowing). Some Jews thought that the G_d of classical theology would have prevented the Holocaust from happening or would have saved them from the suffering most Jews experienced during the Holocaust. Because of this some Jews gave up their belief of G_d.

After the Holocaust some Jews held on to the belief of G_d, but changed their idea of G_d. They still believed that G_d existed but because he had allowed the Holocaust to happen he could not possibly be the G_d of classical theology. Some took up the idea of Process Theology. This is the concept that God is doing his best but his best was not good enough to prevent his people from suffering. Jews who believe this refer to G_d as a “human parent”. This means he does not want his people to suffer but sometimes he can not prevent the suffering and this then upsets him. They believe G_d suffers with them and so therefore still exists.

Other Jews held on to their belief of the G_d of classical theology. They still believe in the G_d of classical theology because they believe that the point of faith is to hold on to it even if you are struggling to do so. They accept that there are no easy answers to the Holocaust and they are not attempting to find any. G_d is G_d and they still have faith in G_d. They say that the problem of suffering has existed since the beginning of time and will exist until the end of time and we will never understand it. G_d is so powerful and so hard to comprehend that we must not try to understand him but we must try to believe and trust in him.

I do not agree with the above statement because I have seen that people can still believe in G_d. Some have given up belief but others haven’t. They have not tried to find easy answers to why G_d had allowed them to suffer but they demonstrate extremely strong faith as they were able to hold on to their belief even though they were being punished for it.

I believe that G_d cannot be understood and that we should not attempt to understand him. I know there are no answers to why the Holocaust happened but it did. I still believe in G_d because I feel that he is there and I do not need proof or evidence to believe in him. Even though I know all about the Holocaust the feeling does not go and so he is still there. I will make no excuses for G_d or find easy answers, because I feel that this is searching for proof and if you have proof or need proof for the existence of God then you do not have faith. Faith is what believing in G_d is all about.