Isn't it kind of a strech?
Joe, as I said in the thread previously, it is not a stretch to say this if you are a person of faith. If you are a person who believes that everything that happens is just happenstance, things just happen because of random events, then you cannot believe that this weather is a punishment for transgression.
But if you believe that everything in the world happens because of divine will (called Hashgacha Pratis in Hebrew) then it is not a big stretch to suggest that the weather is a message from G-d concerning our behavior. Indeed the Torah clearly alludes to this in the section called the Tochacha (rebukes) which I will quote below:
http://www.torah.org/learning/ravfrand/5756/kisavo.html
What is this big comfort? The Zohar HaKodosh explains that the Tochacha in Parshas Bechukosai contains the terrible words "And if you will walk with me out of happenstance (keri) so too I will walk with you in a wrath of happenstance (keri)" [Vayikra 26: 27-28]. My relationship to you, G-d tells the Jewish people, will be reciprocal. If you show no concern for My 'needs', I will show no concern for your needs. This week's portion, however, has the comforting expression "The L-rd will smite you..." [Devorim 28:27] - G-d Himself will smite you. This is this biggest consolation.
What is the Zohar HaKodosh saying? Rav Meir Bergman says that the worst thing that can happen to the Jewish people is that they can be left on their own. If Klal Yisroel, the Nation of Israel, acts as if the Ribono shel Olam [Master of the World] is not an integral part of their life, then the Ribono shel Olam's response will be "I'm going to step back and I'm going to let Teva (nature, statistics) take its course. Teva will take care of you." This is terrible. When that happens, the bond between G-d and Klal Yisroel is broken. There is no longer that closeness.
However, when the Ribono shel Olam 'smites,' even though it is a 'klap,' a smack - that in itself is a consolation, because at least we know that there is that relationship. Albeit it is a relationship of punishment, but it nevertheless is a relationship. Who feels more alone? The child who gets spanked when he misbehaves, or the child who has no father, Heaven forbid, to spank him?
The Tochacha in Bechukosai is the story of a people without a father, Heaven protect us; a father who stands in the background and lets whatever that happens, happen. The Tochacha of Ki Savo, however, is "The L-rd will Smite you" - I'll 'klap' you, but at least you will know that there is someone concerned and taking care of you. Hitting you, but taking care of you, nevertheless.
I am a man who made Teshuva, although not complete in achieving the goal of 100% observance, I do have absolute faith in the path of Torah, and the precepts which it teaches. This is why I make this suggestion, without presumption of having divine communication, I do feel a connection which grants me divine inspiration.
Topic: Central US Cold Snap : Punishment for worshiping Mandela? (Read 2022 times)