I sat down with Job in the 
meager shade of grapevines,
parched and dying in the 
relentless, blazing sun.

Job said:
I sat here once before, 
defeated by suffering, weighted
down by lack of understanding,
and God heard my questions.

          How many blessings does it take
           to lessen the numerous curses
          raining down from the heavens
          on a daily basis?

          How many good deeds does it take
          to soften the decrees of fate, 
          to ease the pain and suffering
          of so many innocent souls?

What were God’s answers?

God didn’t give me any answers.  God also had only questions.
 
          How many blessings does it take to guard the gates of Torah?
          How many good deeds will prevent desecration of all that is holy?
          Where were you when I created the heavens and the earth?
          Where are you now…..?



(c)marthahurwitz2025