God and the Pandemic: A Judaic Reflection on the Coronavirus

By Michael Leo Samuel

Pandemics have been an inescapable facet of human existence throughout the annals of history. Yet, not many have navigated the tumultuous tides of these devastating events with a sound mind and measured wisdom. Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel, in his profound contemplation of plagues and pandemics, broadens his perspective to encompass a deep historica

• Language: English
• Publisher: Primix Publishing
• Release date: Feb 26, 2024
• ISBN: 9798891940024

Michael Leo Samuel

Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel is a descendant of a Holocaust survivor. He received dual rabbinic ordinations from Tomchei Temimim Lubavitch Yeshiva located at 770 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, and has earned a D. Min degree from the San Francisco Theological Seminary. With a profound interest in diverse fields, he has delved into the Greek classics, Biblical and Talmudic studies, Jungian Psychology, Western Medieval Theology, Modern Philosophy, and 20th-century psychology. Among his literary contributions are:The Lord Is My Shepherd: The Theology of the Caring God (1996)Birth and Rebirth Through Genesis (2010)A Shepherd's Song: Psalm 23 and the Shepherd Metaphor In Jewish Thought (2014)Rediscovering Philo of Alexandria: A First Century Jewish Commentator (Volumes 1-5, 2014-2018)Gentle Jewish Wisdom (2019)The Unknown English Torah Commentator: Marcus M. Kalisch's Interpretation of Genesis 1-22 (2022)Maimonides' Hidden Torah Commentary on the Pentateuch (in six volumes, 2018-2022).

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© 2024 Michael Leo Samuel. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by Primix Publishing: 02/26/2024

ISBN: 979-8-89194-001-7(sc)

ISBN: 979-8-89194-002-4(e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2023916649

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Contents

Foreword

Author Notes to the Reader

A Brief History of the Problem

Why Did I Write this Book?

A Coronavirus Prayer

CHAPTER 1

Beginning Our Heroic Journey

Hillel and Epictetus

Epictetus’ Advice for Facing COVID-19

CHAPTER 2

Learning from the Mistakes of the Past

The Antiquity of Epidemics and Pandemics

The Background to the Antonine Plague

The Antonine Plague: A Chinese Connection?

Another Theory Concerning the Antonine Plague

The Plague of Galen

Marcus Aurelius: Mastering the Chaos

The Plague of Cyprian

Aaron as the Archetype of Healing Ministry

The Fate of Rabbi Akiba’s Disciples

CHAPTER 3

The Myth of Self-Sufficiency

Ancestral Echoes: Reevaluating our Relationship with Nature

Theology of a Pandemic

The Philosophy of Scientism

Elie Wiesel’s Parable: When Man Became God

The Struggle to Find Meaning & Purpose

The Holiness of Atheism

Young Martin Buber’s Epiphany

Pascal’s Wager

Critiquing Pascal’s Wager

Victor Frankl’s Reinterpretation of Pascal’s Wager

Drazin’s Bet

CHAPTER 4

Unraveling the Notion of Acts of God

The Lisbon Earthquake of 1755

Voltaire Reflects on the Lisbon Earthquake

Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s Thoughts on the Lisbon Earthquake

How Would Voltaire & Rousseau Reacted to COVID-19?

From Lisbon 1755 to San Francisco 1906

From Lisbon to New Orleans: Hurricane Katrina 2005

Improving Upon Creation

CHAPTER 5

Mishnaic Wisdom: Man is Always Responsible for His Actions

Investigating China’s Pandemic Responsibility

Human Incompetence Is the Real Culprit

Rand Paul vs. Anthony Fauci on Gain of Function Research

Moral Accountability Is a Must

Misguided Political Decisions Exacerbate COVID-19

CHAPTER 6

Dialoguing with Christian Theological Thought

Early Christian Critiques of Original Sin

From Jesus to Hellen Keller

Blindness as a Psychological Metaphor

CHAPTER 7

The Role of Myth in the Ancient Psyche

Maimonidean Theology: The Limits of Divine Intervention

Navigating Divine Benevolence Amid Suffering

CHAPTER 8

A Darwinian Approach to Pandemics

Evolution and Ethics

Perspectives on Natural Selection

How Pandemics & Natural Catastrophes Change History

How Pandemics Impacted the New World

CHAPTER 9

Wisdom from the Age of Duck & Cover

CHAPTER 10

The Problem of Suffering

Applying Camus’ Wisdom for Today

CHAPTER 11

Unhealthy Images of God

How Parenting Shapes a Child’s Perception of God

How Immature Conceptions of God Undermine Faith

CHAPTER 12

Re-reading the Book of Job

Encountering the Diabolic

Why Did Job Suffer?

Schadenfreude: The Hidden Cause of Job’s Suffering

Renée Girard’s Theory: Job as Scapegoat

At First, Job’s Friends Get It Right ….

Job’s Miserable Friends exacerbate his Suffering

Job Rejects Theological Platitudes

The Real Source of Suffering: Ignorance

Job’s Life Lessons for an Age of Pandemics

Job Becomes a Wounded Healer

Improving upon God’s Creation

CHAPTER 13

A Potpourri of Interfaith Responses on COVID-19

The Coronavirus as God’s Soldier Against Non-Believers

Religious Behavior in a Time of Pandemics

CHAPTER 14

The Origin of Quarantine Practices and their Modern Relevance

Social Distancing in Jewish Law: The Cholera Pandemic of 1831

Twas the Night of Passover

Social Distancing in Israel During the Pandemic

CHAPTER 15

Coming to Terms with Our Mortality

The Importance of Finding Solitude

Beyond Survival: Embracing Spiritual Growth During COVID-19

The Coronavirus as a Chrysalis

A Parable About Dealing with Noise in Your Home

CHAPTER 16

The Mezuzah and the Coronavirus

Ritual Purity & the Coronavirus

The Importance of Handwashing

Handwashing Is More than a Mere Heath Practice

The Story of Dr. Ignaz Phillips Semmelweis

Re-Inventing Worship

Is an Internet Minyan Permitted?

The Use of Electricity on Shabbat

Technology and the Changing World of Jewish Law

Cremation and the Coronavirus

The Halakhic Status of Cremated Ashes

Funerals in the Age of the Corona Virus

CHAPTER 17

The Coronavirus and the Jewish Problem

Pandemic and Prejudice: The Resurgence of Anti-Semitism

The Church Needs to Fight Anti-Semitism

The Jew as the Scapegoat

Anti-Semitism in the Age of the Coronavirus

Mayor de Blasio & His Jewish Problem

CHAPTER 18

Rejecting Cancel Culture: Our Socratic & Rabbinical Heritage

The Art of Questioning

Wisdom through the Orality of Torah

The Power of Constructive Conflict

Revelation in Dialogue

The Dynamic of Disagreement

A Modern Takeaway

From Dialectical Debates to the Digital Age

Jewish Wisdom for Advocates of Cancel Culture

Wisdom from Thomas Kuhn

Science Beyond the Binary: Dissent, Dialogue, and Progress

CHAPTER 19

COVID 1984 & The Totalitarian State

The Suspension of Habeas Corpus & Civil Liberties

Further Suspension of Civil Liberties

The Price of Security: A Constant Moral Struggle

Suspending Civil Liberties During the Pandemic

CHAPTER 20

The Emergence of Big and Little Brother

Becoming a Society of Snitchers

More Tales from the Dark Side of Pandemic Politics

Jewish Tradition on Respecting Privacy

Addressing Pandemic Hypocrisy

Questioning Political Correctness

CHAPTER 21

How COVID-19 Deflated Our Trust in Government

The Pandemic’s Toll: Erosion of Middle-Class Wealth

The Voice of the Great Barrington Declaration

CHAPTER 22

Should Worship be Considered an Essential Service?

Learning from the Spanish Influenza

Postscript: A Victory for Religious Freedom

Notes

Dedicated to the memory of all those who have died from

COVID-19

Additional titles by Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel

Maimonides’ Hidden Torah Commentary

Genesis 1-21

Maimonides’ Hidden Torah Commentary

Volume II – Genesis 22-50

Maimonides’ Hidden Torah Commentary

Exodus 1-20

A Shepherd’s Song: Psalm 23

Shepherd Metaphor in Jewish Thought

Gentle Judaic Wisdom For A Troubled World

Rediscovering Philo of Alexandria,

A First Century Torah Commentator (Vol. 1-5)

Torah from Alexandria:

Philo as a Biblical Commentator (Volume 1-3)

The Lord is My Shepherd: The Theology of the Caring God

Birth and Rebirth through Genesis:

A Timeless Theological Conversation Vol. 1: Genesis 1-3

Foreword

Pandemics have been an inescapable facet of human existence throughout the annals of history. Yet, not many have navigated the tumultuous tides of these devastating events with a sound mind and measured wisdom. Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel, in his profound contemplation of plagues and pandemics, broadens his perspective to encompass a deep historical analysis that stretches across the epochs. The author’s work meticulously dissects and scrutinizes the varied responses that societies have mounted against pandemics. In his comprehensive exploration, he unearths the fallacies and insufficiencies of over-simplified interpretations. His panoramic study, though primarily composed as a Judaic guide for comprehending and weathering the Covid-19 crisis, transcends religious boundaries, offering valuable insights to Christians, and indeed anyone of any faith seeking understanding in these trying times.

Immersed in the depths of Scripture, tradition, history, psychology, social science, and pastoral concerns, Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel’s scholarly exploration endeavors to make sense of a global catastrophe, a mission far from straightforward. However, his judicious insights present a plethora of perspectives, supplying intellectual stimulation to the curious mind, and solace to those in need of reassurance. By placing the pandemic in both a temporal and eternal context, he dispels myriad misconceptions, offering a comforting voice amidst the storm and practical guidance for those striving to maintain hope.

Rabbi Samuel’s work, faithful to his distinctive rabbinic style, is brimming with compelling narratives, colorful illustrations, and tangible advice to help navigate the labyrinth of this pandemic. His keen ability to intersect theology, science, psychology, health, and the medical dimensions of real-world adversities is what sets his work apart. He possesses a unique knack for presenting complex ideas in an accessible manner, akin to putting cookies on a shelf that all readers can reach and comprehend.

His book, ‘God and the Pandemic,’ is a carefully curated, seasoned piece of scholarship that embodies a world view that will continue to resonate, providing grounded, rational, and enduring insights long after the pandemic subsides. The sagacity contained within this book is timeless, offering sustenance for the mind and soul. I unreservedly recommend Rabbi Samuel’s work to anyone seeking enlightenment in these challenging times. His ability to demystify, comfort, and inspire is, simply put, remarkable.

Marvin R. Wilson, Ph.D.

Professor Emeritus

Department of Biblical and Theological Studies

Gordon College

Author Notes to the Reader

A Brief History of the Problem

Coronaviruses, a family of viruses that can cause a range of illnesses in humans, from the common cold to severe and potentially deadly diseases, have been a part of scientific and medical discourses since the 1960s. However, this relatively obscure family of viruses only gained significant public recognition sporadically over the last half-century, with the onset of specific disease outbreaks.

In 2003, a severe and often fatal illness caused by a coronavirus strain erupted, primarily affecting mainland China and Hong Kong. This strain was classified as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus or SARS-CoV. Nearly a decade later, in 2012, another coronavirus variant began to circulate, this time predominantly in the Middle East. The disease, dubbed the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV), reached beyond its primary locus to countries like Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and the Republic of Korea.

Both SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV incited significant concern worldwide, but, fortuitously, containment was achieved in both instances. This successful control was a result of a multi-faceted approach, combining proactive human intervention and, potentially, unknown natural factors that limited the spread of the viruses. Despite these successes, one immutable fact remains: coronaviruses, like all viruses, are prone to mutation and adaptation - a trait that ensures their continued survival, but which also presents ongoing challenges for human populations. The relentless evolution of these viruses, underpinned by the natural process of genetic mutation, underscores the complexity of our struggle against them. Even though our scientific understanding of human coronaviruses has grown exponentially, much remains unknown and uncharted.

An observation made by a physician further underlines this reality:

The researchers argue that in the second half of the 19th century a highly infectious respiratory disease with a high mortality rate, now known as contagious bovine pleuropneumonia, affected cattle herds around the world. Even though most industrialized countries mounted massive culling operations in the period between 1870 and 1890 and were able to eradicate the disease by the beginning of the 20th century, it is plausible that the culling personnel, animal handlers and farmers could have been exposed to coronavirus-infected bovine respiratory secretions.

There is still so much to learn. . .[1]

Given the pervasive nature of coronaviruses, a question often asked is: how do we distinguish symptoms of the common cold, flu, or seasonal allergies from those of a coronavirus infection? While many coronavirus strains induce mild symptoms akin to the common cold, COVID-19—the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2—can lead to severe and even fatal illness in certain groups. These include older people and individuals of any age with pre-existing health conditions, such as heart or lung disease, or diabetes. Although several vaccines have been developed and administered globally to combat COVID-19, the continually mutating nature of the virus necessitates the constant adaptation and updating of these vaccines.

Despite these challenges, the pursuit of knowledge and solutions continues, emphasizing that our collective learning about these viruses is far from over.

Our ongoing battle against the novel coronavirus, now known as SARS-CoV-2, has made it abundantly clear that our knowledge and understanding of these viruses, despite the advancements we have made, still have gaps. The COVID-19 pandemic has served as a potent reminder of the work that lies ahead in understanding and combating these diseases.

It is now understood that while the vast majority of COVID-19 cases are mild or even asymptomatic, severe cases can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), multi-organ failure, and death. This disease, unlike its coronavirus predecessors, is highly transmissible and can affect people of all age groups, even though it is particularly deadly to older adults and those with underlying health conditions.

This has raised several vital questions that researchers are currently exploring. For instance, why does the virus affect individuals so differently? What factors lead to severe disease in some, while others experience no symptoms at all? While age and underlying health conditions play a significant role, there is still much to be learned about the genetic and immunological factors that dictate disease severity.

The role of asymptomatic carriers in the spread of the disease is another area of ongoing research. As carriers without symptoms can unknowingly spread the virus, understanding the prevalence and contagiousness of asymptomatic cases is paramount in controlling the virus’s spread.

The development and implementation of vaccines have been a significant step forward in our battle against COVID-19. Vaccines from companies like Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and AstraZeneca have shown high efficacy in preventing severe disease. However, given the virus’s propensity to mutate, it is imperative that we remain vigilant. Current vaccines may need to be updated to combat new variants of the virus, and ongoing research is essential in tracking these changes.

Moreover, the distribution and administration of vaccines have presented a new set of challenges. Achieving global vaccination is an immense logistical endeavor, complicated by factors such as vaccine hesitancy, inequalities in vaccine access, and the sheer scale of the global population.

In conclusion, while we have made significant strides in our understanding and management of coronaviruses and COVID-19, the journey is far from over. This evolving pandemic serves as a potent reminder of our interconnectedness and the need for global cooperation in the face of such universal challenges. It is through continued research, collaboration, and learning that we can hope to navigate this crisis and better prepare for future ones.

Why Did I Write this Book?

As the reality of the coronavirus set in and social distancing became our new normal, leaders across the nation took action. Given my position as a regular contributor to the San Diego Jewish World newspaper, I felt compelled to write a series of articles, responding to the queries and concerns of my congregation and peers. It provided an avenue for me to share my contemplations on the pandemic, tackling the religious and theological implications intertwined with our personal experiences that were riddled with despair and suffering.

This journey led me on a path of historical exploration into past pandemics, seeking to understand how our forebears grappled with such overwhelming crises. I immersed myself in the thoughts of diverse religious leaders, realizing that despite our varied backgrounds, we all grapple with similar existential questions: Why does suffering persist in a universe we believe to be just? How does suffering inform our understanding of God and faith? What can we learn from one another in these challenging times?

Undeniably, the coronavirus has reshaped our faith experiences. What images of God, both constructive and destructive, have been shaped by this crisis? How can we distill wisdom from our experiences of social distancing and retreat into personal spaces? Moreover, how can we communicate spiritual messages when gathering in religious spaces is currently impossible?

Every faith leader, be it a minister, rabbi, or imam, interprets the pandemic through their unique cultural and religious prism. The God we conceive within ourselves influences the divine presence we discern around us. Some perceive a punishing God, inflicting retribution for minor transgressions, while others envisage a distant or indifferent deity. In the eleventh chapter of my book, Rereading the Book of Job, I propose that Job discovered purpose in his suffering by serving those around him who were also in pain. His personal affliction became a source of strength, paving the way to a profound understanding of his part in the divine creation. However, such profound understanding often comes with a cost, as encapsulated in Ecclesiastes 1:18.

During this time of national crisis and danger, our faith community needs to deliberate on our collective response. COVID-19 has thrust us into an unprecedented global conflict against an enemy oblivious to our existence. As I expressed in my blog, I pondered: What guidance would the revered spiritual teachers of yore provide us in these circumstances? How can we offer inspiration amid such daunting times? The coronavirus has accentuated our awareness of our mortality and frailty.

Confronting human suffering and facilitating healing can be a transformative experience. The Talmud recounts a story of Rabbi Joshua questioning the Prophet Elijah about the arrival of the Messiah. Elijah directs him towards the gates of Rome, where he finds the Messiah attending to lepers, caring for their wounds irrespective of the risk of ritual contamination.¹

This narrative serves as a compass, guiding us through the tumultuous journey that the coronavirus has made our reality. We’ve all, in some way, become akin to lepers. But even lepers require healing. By extending support and healing the wounds of those affected, we can transition into wounded healers, poised for a brighter future.

Indeed, the parallels between the Messiah ministering to the lepers in the Talmudic tale and our current circumstances amidst the pandemic are stark. We are now part of a global community wherein everyone has, in some way or another, felt the sting of this virus - we’ve all become metaphorical lepers. Yet, just like the lepers in the story, we also need healing, both physically and emotionally. We can draw on the messianic image of tending to others’ wounds, even at the risk of our comfort, to emerge as wounded healers in our own right.

This book, therefore, is not just a reflection but a call to action, an invitation to us all to lean into our faith, compassion, and shared humanity during these challenging times. To reassess and reconfigure our understanding of God and the divine in light of our shared suffering and resilience. To discern and cherish the lessons hidden in this crisis, for it is in adversity that we often discover our true strengths and character.

The book explores not only the pain and suffering caused by the coronavirus but also the hope and transformation it can ignite. It invites us to ponder on how we can reframe our religious beliefs and practices in a time when physical communal worship has become risky, if not impossible. How can we maintain spiritual connection and community when the structures that have long facilitated them have been compromised?

This project is also my attempt to carry the conversations we’ve been having within our community and religious circles into a broader audience. Through sharing our struggles, our questions, and our insights, I hope to contribute to a larger, ongoing dialogue about faith and humanity’s role amidst a global crisis. I believe that our diverse stories and experiences, when brought together, can help forge a shared path of understanding and healing.

Finally, in the pages of this book, you’ll find that while the pandemic has exposed our vulnerabilities, it has also shown our capacity for kindness, empathy, resilience, and change. It is a testament to the enduring human spirit, our capacity for hope, and the transformative power of faith - even in the face of a worldwide health crisis.

In writing this book, I aim to provide a touchstone for all those navigating these uncertain times, illuminating our journey with insights drawn from the wellspring of Jewish wisdom and the broader religious landscape. As we move forward, my hope is that these reflections will serve not only as a source of comfort and guidance but also as a beacon of hope as we chart our course through this pandemic and beyond.

A Coronavirus Prayer

Oh Lord who resides both near and far,

Bestow wisdom, understanding, as bright as a star.

Help us fight the virus that threatens us all,

To its eradication, let’s answer the call.

Aid the angels of healing, in their noble quest,

Doctors, nurses, first-responders, they’re simply the best.

Provide insight, intuition, humility too,

With a steadfast spirit, there’s nothing they can’t do.

Bless those who are ill, may they swiftly mend,

With strength and faith, on You they depend.

In this valley of darkness, we will not cower,

Because Your presence imbues us with power.

Help us quell the fears, the unknown we face,

With unity and empathy, every worry replace.

Strengthen ties that bind our families and all,

In this fight together, we stand tall.

We pray for Divine Compassion, to weather this plight,

Grant us faith and vision, to hold on tight.

May we learn from this trial, the lessons profound,

That we’re one human family, in love we’re bound.

For those who grieve, extend a hand,

In unity and love, together we stand.

May God’s Shekhinah, lend survivors her light,

Granting strength and courage to endure their fight.

Our Shepherd, the Lord, shall fulfill our need,

Healer of all flesh, He hears our pleas

With hope ignited, Amen! we say,

United in faith, we’ll see a brighter day.

Part 1

The Mythic Journey & A Brief History of Ancient Pandemics

CHAPTER 1

And once the storm is over, you won’t remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You won’t even be sure whether the storm is really over. But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person who walked in.

Haruki Murakami

Beginning Our Heroic Journey

Epictetus, a revered Stoic philosopher, was an embodiment of resilience and enlightenment, who originated from the humble beginnings of slavery during the Roman era, around 50 C.E. to 130 C.E. Birthed to an enslaved woman in the city of Hierapolis, located in Asia Minor’s Phrygia, he ascended from his servitude, earning his freedom from a master who was also previously enslaved. His transformative experiences cultivated a deep-seated wisdom that drew crowds from all walks of life across the Empire. His compelling discourses, imbued with a wisdom drawn from his personal tribulations, had a profound impact on all those who heard him. Epictetus’s writings encapsulate his teachings as such:

What would have become of Hercules, do you think, if there had been no lion, hydra, stag or boar – and no savage criminals to rid the world of, what would he have done in the absence of such challenges? He would have just rolled over in bed and gone back to sleep! By snoring his life away in luxury and comfort, he would never have developed into the mighty Hercules. And even if he had, what good would it have done him? What would have been the use of those arms, that physique, and that noble soul, without crises or conditions to stir him into action?²

Every tale of heroism commences with an adventure, a trial that evaluates the depth of an individual’s fortitude and inner might. Aspiring heroes cannot afford to stagnate, particularly when confronted with adversity. They must shun the allure of comfort and conformity, living not by the expectations of others, but by their own indomitable spirit. As Wilhelm Steinitz, the 19th century chess maestro, declared, Chess is not for timid people, so is the game of life.

The message that resonates from Epictetus’ teachings is unambiguous: Our existence is not meant to be an exercise in mediocrity; we are ordained to be extraordinary. The ordinary holds no place in the lives bequeathed to us by the divine. Epictetus beckons us to acknowledge and honor our distinctiveness, our innate capacity to prevail over adversities. Our trials and tribulations shape our historic footprint, leaving an enduring legacy for generations to come. It is this spirit of conquest, this striving to transcend the ordinary, that exemplifies a heroic life.

The mythical figure Hercules, revered by Cynic and Stoic philosophers, is a paragon of heroism. His labors symbolize their conviction that consciously facing hardship and fostering moral strength is far more commendable than succumbing to a life of ease and lethargy. A hero is not birthed without obstacles that test their resolve. The hero’s journey demands a psychological battle against inner demons and passions, an introspective voyage that leads to the revelation of one’s destiny and purpose in life. This enlightenment is not a solitary achievement; the hero’s trajectory is to enhance the societal fabric around them, to seek societal redemption.

Heroism cannot be conceived without danger and threats. Hercules, upon overcoming his first challenge, might have succumbed to the lure of rest, but divine will dictated that he persistently face formidable trials, each escalating in intensity. The hero’s journey, thus, emerges as a metaphor for a transition from darkness and death towards light and life, from unconsciousness to a state of heightened awareness.

Epictetus’ portrayal of Hercules propounds the existence of an internal hero within us all, a persona that we must manifest and develop. This heroic journey propels us towards