Why Am I Suffering in This World?

Hello, honorable Rabbi, I am currently on a mission in Pattaya, Thailand, and there is a 45-year-old man who asks me why he has been suffering from a lack of success for a long period, etc. ... I also wanted to get tips for myself on how I can succeed in such a problematic place. And what should I talk to them about?

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Hello and blessings,

You are asking big and difficult questions, and I hope with Hashem's help to offer you the right advice.

The suffering people endure is meant to atone for sins, sometimes from this life and sometimes from previous incarnations. For example, it's possible that someone who was not honest in business might return in a reincarnation and be destined to face financial difficulties.

If he does not observe the Torah and mitzvahs, or is negligent in their observance, he deprives himself of spiritual and material abundance. For example, Shabbat is the source of blessing, and those who observe Shabbat find much greater success in their livelihood.

Nevertheless, even someone who experiences suffering needs to strengthen themselves with the knowledge that nothing happens by chance, and everything is meant for the good, even suffering is akin to a surgery that must be undergone - as Hashem is the healer of souls.

Our sages said that even before a person descends into this world, all the challenges of his life are determined (Niddah 16b): "The angel in charge of conception, whose name is 'Night', takes a drop and places it before Hashem, and says before Him: Master of the Universe, what will become of this drop - strong or weak, wise or foolish, rich or poor? But whether it will be wicked or righteous - he does not say".

From this, we learn that even before every person descends to the world, it is predetermined for him in heaven what his personal challenges and difficulties in life will be, whether he will be wealthy or poor, whether he will have financial difficulties, what illnesses or pains will visit him during his life, and so on. Each person has their own individual account, which often touches on his actions and trials from previous incarnations, determining the events in his life. But the choice to be righteous or wicked is entirely in our hands, despite external conditions. We can choose the path of faith and trust, believing that everything is meant for the best, and accept suffering with love, or, heaven forbid, deny our Creator and increase our sins. This matter is entirely up to us.

Our sages said in Tractate Arakhin (16b): "What is the degree of suffering? ... Even if they meant to serve him a cup of wine with hot water and by mistake, they served it cold, or vice versa, this is considered suffering... Even if he wore his cloak and had to turn it, these are sufferings... What is the extent of suffering? Even if he reached into his pocket to take three coins, and only two came up, this is suffering!"

In my personal opinion, to succeed abroad, it's worth talking to Jews about the condition of the Jewish people in exile, what it means to be Jewish, the importance of Jewish identity in the face of assimilation. About the Jewish people surviving for 3300 years against nature, unnatural anti-Semitism, and the prophecies of the end of days that are coming true before our eyes:

https://www.hidabroot.org/video/68365

https://www.hidabroot.org/article/211638

Abroad, there is a longing in the Jewish soul for its Jewish identity and its holy land, so it's appropriate to talk about Jewish identity and the importance of the Torah.

See here for tips on bringing those far from Jewish traditions closer:

https://www.hidabroot.org/article/210655

Also, I recommend you read a short booklet I wrote called "Fateful Conversation" (search on Google) where you will find answers to many questions about faith.

With blessings,

Daniel Bles