Once, a neighbor found out that Rebbe came down from heaven, and after that, Rebbe didn’t come any more "so as not to disgrace other tzaddikim."
Rashi explains, "So people shouldn't say that others aren't tzaddikim since they weren't permitted to come to their homes as Rebbe received this permission."
Dovid HaMelech davened (Tehillim 61:5) עולמים באהלך אגורה, and Chazal explain that Dovid HaMelech was praying that his chidushei Torah be repeated in the batei midrashim after his demise, because then it is as if he lives forever.
Why was it important for Dovid that people should be repeating his divrei Torah? Dovid HaMelech resides in the highest levels of Gan Eden and is the fourth leg of Hashem's throne. The divine pleasures that he enjoys in heaven are far beyond what we can imagine. Why was it important for him that people in this world should discuss his chidushei Torah?
The answer is that this world is the world of challenge, where there is the ability to choose between good and bad. Tzaddikim want their chidushei Torah to be studied after their passing in this world, and it is also important for them that their children continue their legacies. This is because they know the importance and the significance of this world.
The Gemara (Kesubos 103., Sefer Chasidim 1127) tells us that even after Rebbe's (Reb Yehudah HaNasi) demise, every Friday night, he would come down from heaven and go to his home, dressed in his Shabbos clothing, and he would make Kiddush for his family.
Why was it important for Rebbe to descend from the highest place in heaven to make Kiddush for his family on Friday night? Isn't it better to be in Gan Eden?
Once again, the answer is because of the special nature of this world, a world full of challenges, a world of tests, a world of free will, a world where the ultimate form of avodas Hashem can take place. Rebbe wanted to be able to serve Hashem from this place, and therefore, he came all the way from Gan Eden.
This idea is fundamental because when people suffer from the yetzer hara, they are upset about it and wish it wasn't that way. But it is precisely because of their struggles that their avodas Hashem is so special to Hashem.
This also applies to increasing peace and avoiding machlokes. It is hard, but our attempts to increase shalom in the world is a special avodah for Hashem.
Also, the same applies when one is going through hard times, chalilah. At this time, his service is to believe that everything is for the good and to proclaim לטובה זו גם. It isn't easy to do so, but that is the ultimate service for Hashem.
The highest levels in Gan Eden do not compare to the greatness one achieves through wise choices in this world.
