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Judy’s Progress

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A weekly Dvar Torah published in loving memory of Mrs Judy Feiglin A"H Nylgyyp y"n ldn[m Mjnm 'r /b h"[ hwj ltyg /rm /mvn ywl[l

Vol 3 No. 8 20 Kislev 5774 November 23 2013 Vayeshev

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Parshas Vayeshev

This week's Parsha, Vayeshev, begins recounting the story of Yosef's dreams and subsequent events. The introductory verses to these events are "Yaakov dwelled in the land of his fathers' in Canaan. These are the generations of Yaakov, Yosef was seventeen years old..." Rashi explains this verse that Yaakov's dwelling refers to his desire to live in tranquility, but immediately the story of Yosef began and disrupted his life. The Medrash says that when a Tzaddik desires to live an idyllic life, Hashem says, "Is it not enough what is prepared for them in the World to Come, yet they still desire to live a calm life in this world?"

Rav Shlomo Wolbe ‫ זצ״ל‬questioned how Yaakov's request was resolved with such an answer. We must remember that we are referring to Yaakov Avinu, therefore his desire was obviously not to lounge around on a couch all day thinking peaceful thoughts! Without a doubt his request stemmed from the desire to immerse himself entirely in Torah study, and the absence of worldly matters would seem to certainly put his mind at ease and allow him to study uninterrupted. Furthermore, Rashi's generalisation to all righteous people is difficult to understand - surely their intentions are also pure - the Rambam says that the entire nation of Israel, prophets and elders, desire Moshiach's arrival, so that the evil rulers who do not allow the Jewish people to keep the Torah properly will be removed. If that is the case, then what was the problem with Yaakov desiring to toil with peace of mind? We must realise from this that tranquility is not an idea that exists in this world in a positive capacity - it is reserved for the World to Come. Yaakov's life was filled with challenges and difficulties, from Eisav followed by Lavan, returning to Eisav and as a climax, Yosef's 'disappearance' and the entire family's eventual sojourn to Egypt. Such a package of difficulty never occurred with our other forefathers - only Yaakov. Yaakov who we refer to every day in Davening that out of Hashem's

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love and joy for Yaakov, Hashem named him Yisrael and Yeshurun. The chosen one of the forefathers lived a life of difficulty, for tranquility is not of this world. Rav Yerucham ‫ זצ״ל‬said very succinctly: "There are no couches in a factory!". Simply put, if one wants to work, build and achieve heights in this world, the only way to accomplish is with toil and withstanding the tests we are sent. There are stories of numerous Gedolim of the previous generations, who while performing mundane tasks - whether it be getting a Sefer off the shelf or even running for their lives from enemy soldiers in Europe, were constantly thinking thoughts of Torah. In fact, Rav Boruch Ber Leibowitz ‫ זצ״ל‬once returned to Europe from the United States and his first reaction was that the American streets were so much cleaner - and therefore one could think in learning even walking on the streets. In Kaminetz, Europe, the streets were filthy and hence one would not have been permitted to think Torah thoughts. This idea is something we must work on ourselves, and certainly do our best to inculcate into our children at a young age. As one gets older and many distractions, errands and other things come up, the time spent in these mundane tasks can still be devoted to Torah if it becomes our second nature. Furthermore, often one may come up with even better ideas when the effort necessary to learn is so much greater, rather than sitting comfortably in a Beis Medrash in front of a Sefer. Hashem sends the righteous of every generation trial after trial, in order to reward them for their learning despite the difficulties surrounding them. If we work on ourselves to occupy our mind constantly with Torah, may Hashem allow us to learn and reach our full potential, in which merit we pray that He will redeem us very soon.

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Judy’s Progress

Vol 3 No. 8 20 Kislev 5774 November 23 2013 Vayeshev

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d"[v/ wlsk 'k bvyw /vrp

Dear Family and Friends, We hope you are enjoying the Divrei Torah every week.We hope that they bring some additional Torah thoughts to some Shabbos tables around the world! If you would like to support Torah learning in Israel in Judy's h"[ merit, we have added a "Donate" button to the blog proceeds go directly to Kollel Zichron Pinchas Meir in Yerushalayim. ($US only at this time). Anyone who is interested in contributing/writing a Dvar Torah for a particular week or sponsoring an edition please email us at [email protected] can also email us at that address to subscribe (or unsubscribe) or you can read it on the blog at http://www.judysprogress.com/ Wishing everyone a Good Shabbos, All the best, Sarah Abraham & Yitzchak Feiglin and families

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Proudly published by Judy's children, Sarah Abraham and Yitzchak Feiglin and families. Read why on the blog. Keeping memories alive and spreading the light of Torah.

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