Faith Under Fire: The Midrashic Response to Catastrophe

This session explores how Jewish thought re-evaluates faith in God when confronted with national destruction and overwhelming evil. By examining the “midrashic” method through the lenses of modern thinkers such as Eliezer Schweid and Emil Fackenheim, the lecture bridges the gap between ancient theology and post-Holocaust reality.

Participants will analyze a variety of texts, ranging from the Mishnah to the writings of Elie Wiesel. The discussion aims to understand how paradoxical responses to God’s absence can coexist with traditional religious language. Through this exploration, the session highlights the enduring complexity of theological discourse in the face of historical trauma, offering a deeper perspective on how religious frameworks adapt to address profound existential challenges and the persistence of faith under extreme circumstances.