Page 538 - BERESHIT
P. 538
What was the rest that Yaakov wanted? Is there something wrong with
resting? A man is born to toil. He was sent down into this world to achieve
spiritual accomplishments. This is done only by putting in effort, by
striving and working hard.
One who praises inactivity and values empty pastimes, eventually
degenerates. Such indolence only leads to indulgence, and eventually,
spiritual atrophy.
Yaakov saw Eisav enjoying life and relaxing from effort. He hoped to do
the same and still serve Hashem. Hashem gave us life to toil and left our
reward for the next world.
