A. Throughout the history of Judaism, many strives have struck the faithful head-on.
a. From the Egyptians enslaving their people to the near annihilation during the Holocaust
b. There are those Jews who view these tragedies befalling their people due to a sin committed.
c. One such sin possibly at blame for these hardships would be the "First Sin" or that of Adam and Eve. (As stated in the Bible, "cursed be the ground because of you; by toil shall you eat of it all the days of your life” - Genesis 3:1-24)
d. Some may interpret this as a metaphor for a punishment, saying in order to get anything in life, you will need to work for it, because of the sins occurring that fateful day.
B. The Jewish view of suffering is quite contrary to those of the Hindu and Buddhists in several ways.
a. The Buddhists view suffering as a result of the individual giving into "burning thirsts," or wanting something that one cannot have.
b. Both the Hindu and Buddhist religions believe in the concept of karma, a cosmic form of the domino effect. If one does wrong within their lifetime, the individual will be "punished" by returning to the earth as a being lower then their caste, in terms of Hinduism, or species, which is possible within either faith.
c. Most Jews believe God created Satan as evil inclination, a tendency that lies within everyone. People also have awareness of and inclination toward goodness. Thus, God provides free will as a test of obedience and faith.
d. The deepest meaning the Jews found in their exile was that of vicarious suffering: meaning that enters the lives of those that are willing to endure pain that others might be spared.
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