Yaakov Avinu’s Fatherly Guidance
Yaakov Avinu lived a life that surely reflected on the way that Chazal recognized him, Av HaGalus- the Patriarch of Exile. Besides living a significant portion of his life outside the future promised land to include marrying and fathering almost all of his children, he led a life filled with fear, stress and anxiety associated with Galus. He seemed to never be at peace, always living through very difficult life situations. His dealings with Eisav, Lavan, the affair with Dina and Shechem and his mother’s passing before he was able to see her again after 22 years all took its toll on Yaakov.
For that reason, the Torah states, “ VaYeshev Yaakov…” now that all of these tribulations were behind him his dwelling was described as more permanent in contrast to, “VeYagar” that connotes a temporary stay. Chazal say that at this point in his life Yaakov Avinu sought to live a life of tranquility, to retire from his position of leadership and pass the responsibility of bringing the future nation to fruition onto his able bodied sons. However, HaShem did not agree with Yaakov’s personal assessment that he needed to step back from his active role. Chazal tell us that HaShem’s calculation for Tzadikim is to seek and find eternal rest in the Olam HaEmes but to never step back from their responsibilities in this world. As a result, HaShem forced Yaakov out of his retirement with the strife between Yosef and his brothers.
HaRav Moshe Feinstein, Z”L questioned why HaShem would not want Yaakov to live out his days in tranquility now that his children were fully grown and great leaders in their own right. What did he think Yaakov would be doing during his retirement? Surely, the “free” time would be spent with one singular purpose, to come closer to HaShem. Chazal tell us regarding a Tzadik, “Tov Low, Tov L’olam”; what’s good for him benefits all of mankind. Yaakov’s change in status could only be a benefit to bringing HaShem’s cosmic plan into reality.
HaRav Moshe suggests that Yaakov Avinu’s desire to “retire” was not from his role of leader. Rather, he sought to step back from his role as his children’s mechanech. They were full grown mature adults and his parenting role was over. It was this personal assessment by Yaakov that HaShem took issue. He conveyed his disapproval through the strife that arose between Yosef and his brothers. He realized that his sons were still in need of fatherly chinuch.
We can glean three important messages from this powerful story. First, Tzadikim are not permitted to retire without approval from the “Boss”. The world and all of mankind is dependent on their good deeds. Second, the parents’ role to parent never ends. The parenting format will change with age but the basic premise that the generation closer to Matan Torah is greater than all subsequent generations speaks to the notion that the elders have greater clarity and merit. Hence, their guidance needs to be constantly sought out. Finally, we need to take notice of the way HaShem communicates with his children. Daily events of all proportions both in our personal lives and in Jewish and world events are speaking to us. We need to consider, if HaShem orchestrates everything, and everything that HaShem orchestrates is for the sake of his beloved children, then every event has a message for us. We may not readily figure out every message but the realization that it is a message should elevate us and bring us closer to HaShem.
Of the three messages, for young children, the third message is the most useful in their stage of life. All events in the world, no matter the size has some relationship with Am Yisroel. The easiest way to see the connection is in retrospect. Understand what the original intent was for a decision or action and see what use it has now. For example, the neighborhoods in Brooklyn, most of which were built generations ago. Perhaps, they were built for Italians or Germans but not for Jews. Yet today, many areas are heavily populated with Jewish people pursuing a life of Torah and Mitzvos. Many of the buildings that were built for different ethnic groups, house today Mekomos HaTorah and Kedusha. We should understand that HaShem’s intent for the development of these buildings was for the current usage. Point this simple example out to the children and it will raise their curiosity for everything.
A Gut Shabbos