It was a quiet little email sent to me from my brother-in-law, Gary. Attached was an essay written by his daughter, Julia, as part of her confirmation. Of course I was interested to read it—we all traveled to New York just three years ago to celebrate her Bat Mitzvah. It was a holy weekend I found to be beautiful, fascinating and deeply moving.
But still I was not prepared for the power of 16-year-old Julia’s perspective. In a few carefully considered paragraphs, she offers insight into a question I have struggled with all of my days: Where is God when bad things happen?
I asked Julia for her permission to share her essay with you, here. I thank her for agreeing to do so, and I thank Rabbi Jeffery Sirkman, Larchmont Temple, for the guidance that lead Julia to this clarity. Her insights came to me as the whispered answer to a thousand prayers, and my hope is that these words, written by my beautiful niece, Julia Rodbell, will touch your heart, as well.
And I am teary eyed one more time….thank you for sharing this with your world. Love, Colette
What insight she has at such a young age! I am really moved to read this. Thanks for sharing!
Oh! Cathy……again, I am brought to tears as I read these words to my youngest daughter, Erin. I am so amazed that such a young mind can speak such wisdom. I am so deeply touched by these words, as you wittness in your car a few weeks ago, when I read them out loud.
Julia, thank you for sharing this with us. You have far more insight than most adults.
What an incredible young woman!
Yes, she is. Thank you, Fran.