Tal Chaim: Vayeishev

The 25th of Kislev is the Yahrtzeit of Rav Chaim of Antineya, the Tal Chaim (1931) “And Jacob settled in the land of his father’s sojourning, in the land of Canaan.” (Genesis 37:1) Rashi explains that Jacob desired to live in peace, and instead the rage of all the events with Joseph attacked him. God said, “Is it not enough for the righteous the life that is prepared for them in the Future World that they want to live in peace in this world?”

This can be understood by recalling the Sifrei on “In order to prolong your days and the days of your children,” (Deuteronomy 11:21) “your days,” refers to this world, and “the days of your children,” refers to the World to Come.

“Planted in the house of God, in the courtyards of our Lord they will flourish,” (Psalms 92) The righteous prefer the house of God, the Upper Worlds, however, their work is in the “Courtyards of the Lord,” this world, which is the courtyard to the World to Come.

As the Chatam Sofer explains (Introduction to Responsa) that the righteous could perfect themselves quickly, but God keeps them in this world so they can help others perfect themselves.

The righteous work in this world to extend the lives of their children, students, in the World to Come.

Jacob desired to work on himself, but Joseph’s mission to work for others, stirred him until he had to go down to Egypt, where all the world would learn of God and His Power.  Jacob’s work in the courtyards, this world, was unfinished, he still had to work to expand the “days of your children,” the Children of Israel, who would learn about God and make a Covenant with Him.