Man Was Meant To Struggle

Shavua Tov. The Midrash on today’s Parsha, gives an explanation as to why new troubles came upon Yakov Avinu.

The Midrash says, בקש יעקב שלוה, that Yakov asked for serenity. He was told that the time for such serenity is in the next world. And man was meant to struggle as is written in the Book of Iyov. Immediately following this, came the incident with Yosef and his brothers.

In Joseph Telushkin’s book, “The Rebbe”, he relates a story about a rabbi who asked for the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s blessings as he planned to retire. To his surprise, the Rebbe forbade him from retiring. He was told that the the time for retirement is in the next world.

I am not sure if this was a blanket decision for everyone, or only for rabbis who were still teaching Torah and inspiring their communities. However, the message is clear that we must struggle to live productive lives where we can make a difference. This is what the Midrash is teaching about Yakov Avinu, and it is equally true for us.