When the Rain Won’t Come: Accountability, Advocacy, and a Jewish Lens on Drought

Special prayers for rain had already been recited, yet the long-awaited rainfall still had not come. A few scattered showers had fallen here and there, but overall the drought continued.

Yaakov turned to his wife, Dina, and sighed.

"The spiritual state of the Jewish people is so poor," he said. "It's no wonder we're not getting any rain."

"Don't speak that way," Dina replied. "We should never accuse the Jewish people."

"I'm not making this up," Yaakov answered. "The Torah explicitly says that if we fail to keep God's commandments and stray from His ways, the rain will be withheld."

"That's true," Dina responded, "but it isn't our role to emphasize or dwell on that. Throughout Jewish history, our greatest leaders always sought to defend and advocate for the Jewish people. Besides, not everything is so bleak today. There are countless wonderful individuals, and every day we hear inspiring stories of kindness and selflessness."

"Ignoring reality doesn't solve the problem," Yaakov insisted. "There is no rain, and we need to understand the real reason. When people fail to observe the commandments properly, consequences follow. When the nation's spiritual condition declines, drought comes."

Who do you think is right?

When approaching a situation like this, Jewish thought suggests balancing three important perspectives.

1. Begin With Self-Reflection

First and foremost, Yaakov should consider that the drought may be connected, at least in part, to his own actions. Rather than focusing on the shortcomings of others, he should ask himself how he can improve.

Whenever a person faces hardship, whether on a personal or communal level, the proper response is to engage in honest self-examination instead of pointing fingers.

A well-known story illustrates this idea.

People once approached the Brisker Rav, Rabbi Yitzchak Zev Soloveitchik, seeking guidance during a difficult period in Jerusalem.

"What should we protest?" they asked. "Should we focus on public Shabbat desecration or on issues of modesty?"

The Brisker Rav listened quietly, opened the Book of Jonah, and replied:

"Jonah was aboard a ship filled with idol worshippers from the nations of the world. When the storm threatened to destroy the ship, what did Jonah say? He could have demanded that everyone abandon their idols and proclaim the oneness of God. Instead, he spoke the truth: 'The storm has come because of me.'"

The Rav concluded: "Before searching for faults in others, each of us should first say, 'The storm is because of me.'"

2. Offer Constructive Guidance When Appropriate

If Yaakov genuinely recognizes a communal failing that requires correction, and if he is in a position where rebuke would be appropriate and beneficial, then Jewish law obligates him to encourage others to improve their ways.

Constructive guidance has its place, provided it is offered with wisdom, sensitivity, and genuine concern for the spiritual well-being of others.

3. Be an Advocate Before God

At the same time, when turning to God in prayer, Yaakov should become an advocate for the Jewish people.

Rather than dwelling on their shortcomings, he should emphasize their virtues, their righteousness, and the many good deeds they perform, asking God to forgive any failings and bless the nation with abundant rain.

Today, we often hear statements such as, "Because of our many sins," "The spiritual state of the generation is terrible," or "How could Mashiach possibly come in our time?"

Instead of focusing solely on criticism, we should strive to view the Jewish people with a generous and compassionate eye. We should pray on their behalf and highlight their many merits before God.

The remarkable power of judging others favorably has the potential to bring tremendous blessing to the Jewish people. It is a resource that, unfortunately, is not utilized nearly enough.

Weekly Family Challenge

Throughout the coming week, make a conscious effort to look at every member of your family and every person you meet with a positive eye. Try to notice their strengths before their weaknesses, and practice judging others favorably whenever possible.