Miriam Grossman's Letter to God

Your messenger (our Rabbi Nadoff) suggested to write a letter to you, and what a challenge it is!

A letter to you can only have a beginning, but end only when we finish our task here on earth.

In the first place, I want to thank you for the life you have given me and for the ability to see and enjoy the myriad of wonders you have created, for growing up and growing older, for my dear parents, brothers and sisters and the rest of my wonderful relatives. For the friends of my childhood and the present ones. For my dear husband and dear son whom we tried to teach your beautiful Laws of "Ten Commandments", the blueprint of noble conduct. For my new homeland here in the United States after the horrible experiences and losses during the Holocaust period. For the renewed faith in people--though I'll never comprehend how one created in your image could turn to an animal state of beastiality and hate.

If I would try to go into details, I would have to thank you for the air I breathe, the earth I walk on, all heavenly stars, mountains, trees, water, flowers, grass--there is no end of things you created.

Now the second part of my letter will be questions which I don't expect to understand, for I have only a limited brain and your magnificent design is your greatness.

Why does a child die before he has a chance to experience life's treasures? Why is one deformed while another wins a beauty contest? Why is one blessed with many abilities while others are retarded?   Why is one lucky to be outside of a troubled area while others are caught in the middle? Why does one "make it" while another one fails? And on, and on, and on...

As long as I cannot find the answers, I shall try to make my choices according to my abilities and the circumstances I am in...to love or hate; to struggle through or to give up; to be of use or to take advantage of others--all this amid the strong current of emotions to take the easier road just to make life easier for myself or to conquer evil inclinations.

To relieve my conscience I can put much blame on you, dear God, but I love you too much and the faith I have in you carries me over the most painful experiences in my life.

In closing my letter to you I will ask you to be with me to the end of my days as I feel you in my heart.