Parashat Vayeshev

The Struggling Jew

Rashi introduces this week’s parasha with the words of the Midrash: Jacob wished to live in tranquility, but then the trouble of Joseph sprang upon him. When the tzaddikim wish to live in peace, The Holy One, Blessed Be He, says, “Is it not enough for the tzaddikim that so much is prepared for them in the next world, that they seek to live in peace in this world?” (Genesis Rabba 84:3)

Despite Jacob's desires for a peaceful existence after enduring many challenges, his life is marked by continual struggles and crises. The paradox highlighted is that while tzaddikim strive for peace of mind, their journeys are often filled with sorrow and grief, suggesting that suffering is not merely a trial but an essential aspect of their spiritual growth. This notion is reinforced by various sources from Jewish tradition that assert the absence of rest for the righteous, indicating that tranquility is not part of their divine reward.

In general, questions are central to Jewish faith. The pursuit of understanding and the growth of faith are deeply intertwined with the arduous, continuous questioning. There is no rest for the weary. However, rather than evading doubts and uncertainties, tzaddikim engage with them, leading to a richer spiritual life.This ongoing quest for knowledge and clarity challenges the preconceived notion that a life of faith should be devoid of struggles. Instead, it embraces the idea that questioning is vital for personal and spiritual development.

Anguish and inner struggle are par for the course for the faithful. It has been said that the verse, “Seven times a tzaddik falls and gets up”(Prov. 24:16), is not a description of the tzaddik’s failures but of his natural progression. Struggles and questions are part of this journey.

Ultimately, a life of faith and adherence to Torah and mitzvot does not guarantee tranquility but rather offers a structured framework within which individuals can navigate their challenges. Embracing the complexities of their journeys, tzaddikim find not a quiet resolution but an opportunity for deeper engagement with significant questions. The progression they experience is not one of achieving peace but of evolving through their inquiries, leading to higher spiritual truths, leading to deeper questioning. This perspective redefines tranquility not as an end goal but as a byproduct of meaningful struggle and growth in the pursuit of righteousness.

Questions to Contemplate

How can one reconcile the idea of tranquility and peace in our lives with the endless struggle in pursuit of righteousness?