Suffering part 1

There is a famous story of three older Jewish women sitting on a park bench. The first one sighs deeply, and lets out an "oy". The second one sighs deeply, and lets out an "oy". The third one says: "Listen, I thought we agreed not to discuss the children". In this life, there is often much suffering. Sometimes it's physical. Sometimes it's emotional. Sometimes we bring it upon ourselves by worrying about things that are not in our control, that MAY happen, but usually don't. When I was about seven years old, I learned that if the Sun went out, it would take several minutes for us to know. I would often look up at the Sun, and wonder if it had perhaps already gone out, that we are all doomed, and won't know it for a few minutes. Many years later, I read an essay from Woody Allen in which he said: "Scientists believe that the Sun will someday go out, hurtling the Universe to destruction. What can the average citizen do in such a case?" As ridiculous as this sounds, don't we do this all the time? "What if" is a thought that tortures men and women throughout their lives. A belief in G-d should, and does, ease this suffering. But then we see that often good people suffer, while the wicked prosper. Is this consistent with a good G-d? The ancient Zoroastrian religion posited that there was indeed a good god, but also an evil one. This concept is known as dualism. It survives in many traditions as a belief in an independent force of Evil, at war with G-d. A belief in a Devil is probably rooted in the same tradition.The prophet Isaiah (45:7) negates this with "He forms light, creates darkness, makes peace, and creates evil". Evil from G-d?!?! Why?!?! One world religion (Buddhism) has as its First Noble Truth that all life is suffering, but suffering is avoidable with proper action, and meditation on higher truths. Judaism would say "is that what religion, or life for that matter, is about? Avoiding suffering? Is G-d about torturing us, yet we can escape?" G-d tells us "I set before you Life and Good, Death and Evil. Choose life". But is there life when we are constantly faced with war, hate, disease? Is there a guarantee that the "right" way of life will lead to happiness? If not, why not? Does G-d seek our happiness? The why doesn't he intervene? An entire Biblical book deals with this (Job) and much has been written since. In my next several posts I will share some of the insights offered on this issue. May we all know peace and happiness always!