Q. I would like you to ask Rav Shlomo Miller (Shlit’a), how is it possible that Hashem should permit that on the happiest day of our calendar such great suffering and tragedies, which that they say had no equal and counterpart since the days of the Holocaust!!!
What does it all mean???

A. It is most difficult to answer this kind of question. Yet on a similar shailah (2625) regarding differences of opinions from our Gedolim and Rabbonim regarding the Heavenly reasons for the difficult covid times, and what is Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion.
To what we answered: “Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that it is a reflection of the tremendous laxity of morals in our days, especially in relation to parades and similar public displays of indecency, that just openly defy Hashem. Other Rabbonim have expressed different ideas.

After reading what Horav Chaim Kanievsky Shlit’a wrote in an exhorting message and blessing for all of us, one may add. The Rov said: “Everyone must be mechazek (strengthen) to refrain from lashon harah, rechilus, and promote sholom bais. All of us must further strengthen ourselves in the midah of humility and to be maavir al midosav (forgiving). Whoever strengthens himself in these, the merit will protect him and his family members, and not one of them will fall ill.”

Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a added that in our days, there may be a message as to how many of us engage with laxity and negligence to the honor of our Torah properly and in the correct place, during the most holy day of Simchas Torah.

Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a