According to Rabbi Levi Meier, people of all ages with all sorts of problems want to know the answer every single day. As rabbis, we can go back and forth between the two. Meier says nothing is more humbling than being a patient. Having recently been one himself, he believes the experience increased his understanding of pain, suffering and depression as well as the importance of patient dignity.
Healers confront illness, suffering and death on an almost daily basis, with constant negativity.
Meier turns to a story about Moses as an example. The great prophet is mourning the death of his sister, Miriam, who had been very close to him. The people don't leave Moses alone. He is caught up in the conflict of multiple roles between mourning and leading his people. Because of it he was told he would not be allowed to enter the Promised Land.