Harold Kushner

Harold Kushner (1935–2023) was a renowned American rabbi, author, and theologian, best known for addressing spiritual and existential questions with compassion and clarity. Born in Brooklyn, New York, he was ordained at the Jewish Theological Seminary and served as a congregational rabbi for over 25 years. The turning point in his life came with the loss of his son, Aaron, to a rare genetic disorder called progeria. This personal tragedy deeply shaped his most famous and influential book, When Bad Things Happen to Good People (1981).

As an author, Kushner wrote over a dozen books that explored suffering, faith, forgiveness, and the human relationship with God. His work blends Jewish wisdom, modern psychology, and a deeply empathetic worldview. Titles such as Living a Life That Matters, How Good Do We Have to Be?, and The Lord Is My Shepherd became bestsellers that resonated with readers across religious and cultural backgrounds. His writings helped countless people find meaning, hope, and comfort in the face of life’s hardships.

Harold Kushner’s words are known for their clarity and emotional resonance. Some of his most powerful quotes include:

“I’m not sure that God causes bad things to happen. I think God helps us cope when bad things happen.”

“Forgiveness is a favor we do ourselves, not a favor we do to the other person.”

“The purpose of life is not to win. The purpose of life is to grow and to share.”
Through these reflections, Kushner offered a vision of faith grounded in love, resilience, and the deep moral responsibility we carry toward one another.