Orlander, by "practicing Jew" I take it you mean completely secular?
P.S. - God does not give cancer to anyone. Read Job. God will let things happen to test us so we can grow, and God may take us from this earth if we destroy our witness for Him, but cancer and all the other evil in the world are the result of mankind bringing sin into the world and thus letting Satan have temporary power over the earth. Satan is the Prince of the Power of the Air and the god of this age. As drastic as it may appear, God will actually allow a person to experience hell on earth, in hopes of awakening his faith. Our God in his holy love makes the tough choice to release his child to the consequences of his rebellion. If God allows us to endure the consequences of our sin and the world is full of sinners, then the world is going to abound in evil. This includes disease, famine, suffering of all kinds, brought on by the rebellion of mankind against God.