Why We Suffer: Meaning in a Broken World

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Why We Suffer: Meaning in a Broken World." 

This piece explores the Jewish understanding of suffering as a transformative and sacred process rather than meaningless torment. It describes pain—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—as a forge that refines the soul, strengthens faith, and deepens compassion. Through trust in G‑d, humility, and acts of kindness, suffering becomes a path toward self-awareness, connection, and redemption. Ultimately, Judaism teaches that even in darkness, pain holds the potential to illuminate the world and draw us closer to the Divine.

(AI generated image via ChatGPT)

Why We Suffer: Meaning in a Broken World

The Last Kiss Goodnight

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "The Last Kiss Goodnight."

Certainly, every human being has the desire to live and goes about fighting for life. It’s part of our genetic makeup and our very survival instinct. Yet, we all know that the cycle of life brings us from the beginnings of infancy to growth, the maturity of adulthood, then decline, old age and ultimately death itself. Truly, we all know the end from the very beginning, and with that we can achieve a greater awareness that what’s good in living isn’t the materialism and chasing the next “high,” but rather the ability to choose to do good and to be on a higher spiritual plane.

Life is choice and having control over how we respond to life’s circumstances. Death is simply observing and being. Therefore, even if we merit being in the Divine presence in the afterlife, we still can’t actively help anyone, like those we love, any longer. This is why we want to merit life where we can continue to work on ourselves and help others. Thus, despite all the pain and suffering associated with life, it is more than offset by the opportunity to learn, grow, and transform our very essence in a purification process of our souls.

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

The Last Kiss Goodnight