The Jewish scriptures give no satisfactory explanation for human suffering. I wanted to hear your view on the matter.
Hi! I guess it depends on what you mean by “satisfactory”. No explanation will make the suffering go away. But faith and trust in G-d can make suffering easier to bear, if we know that it comes from G-d and isn’t accidental. The book of Job, of course, is an extensive discussion of one man’s challenge to G-d: Is my suffering something I deserved? There are many points of view presented there, but the answer to that particular question is a definite No – suffering is not always “deserved”, not always a punishment.
While there are many sources that discuss the issue, some based on Job (for example, Moreh Nevuchim “Guide of the Perplexed” by the Rambam), probably the best overall source is “The Way of G-d”, Derech Hashem, by Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzato. There he presents a complete picture of the Torah’s view on suffering. He also expands on the theme in his Da’as T’vunos, where he shows it as part of the process of perfecting all humanity.
Best wishes,
Michoel Reach