Full Answer Section

Solutions:

• Prayer and Supplication: Turning to God in prayer and seeking comfort and strength is considered essential. (Psalm 142:2)

• Tzedakah (Charity): Performing acts of kindness and helping those in need can bring solace and mitigate suffering. (Proverbs 14:21)

• Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World): Working to improve the world and combat injustice is seen as a way to alleviate suffering and create a more just society. (Isaiah 58:10)

• Acceptance and Resilience: Finding a way to cope with pain and suffering through acceptance, resilience, and finding meaning within difficult circumstances. (Psalm 23:4)

2. Freedom & Free Will

Exodus 5:1, 8:1, 9:1 & Ezekiel 18

These verses highlight the tension between divine will and human free will in Judaism:

• Exodus 5:1: “And afterward Moses and Aaron went in and said unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, Let my people go, that they may hold a feast unto me in the wilderness.” God commands Pharaoh to release the Israelites, showcasing God’s desire for freedom.

• Exodus 8:1: “And the Lord spake unto Moses, Say unto Aaron, Take thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the waters of Egypt, that they may be turned into blood.” God instructs Moses and Aaron to perform miracles, demonstrating the potential of human agency in fulfilling God’s will.

• Exodus 9:1: “And the Lord spake unto Moses, Go in unto Pharaoh, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, Let my people go, that they may serve me.” God’s commands to Pharaoh demonstrate that God expects humans to make choices and respond to His will.

• Ezekiel 18: This chapter emphasizes individual responsibility and accountability for one’s actions. “The soul that sinneth, it shall die.” This verse highlights the concept that humans have the freedom to choose their actions, and they will be held accountable for their choices.

Understanding Freedom and Free Will:

Judaism emphasizes that God grants humans freedom and free will. While God’s will is ultimate, humans are given the responsibility to choose their actions and to build a just and compassionate world. However, this freedom comes with consequences, and individuals are accountable for their choices. The tension between free will and God’s will is a constant theme in Jewish thought, reminding us that we have the power to make choices that align with God’s will and create a more meaningful and fulfilling life.

Summary:

Judaism’s understanding of pain, suffering, freedom, and free will is nuanced and complex. It emphasizes that these concepts are interconnected and that humans are responsible for their actions and choices. The Jewish tradition offers a framework for navigating difficult experiences and seeking meaning and purpose in life.