Rather by descending to Egypt, to the nether regions, the soul can attain a level far higher than it had before descending into the body.
Therefore, Yaakov’s best years were in Egypt. Since a house of learning existed in the land of abomination, it served as the focal point for the soul’s descent from Gan Eden.
Therefore, when the Torah says that Yaacov sent Yehuda to prepare the way for him, it is informing us that Torah cannot be regarded merely as an intellectual exercise. Rather, it must serve to instruct us how to live.
Back then, Egypt provided sustenance to the whole world. So too, this country sends its wealth to the nations, and other countries depend on it. Nevertheless, we must know that the main and most important thing is the House of Learning through which Torah can be acquired and applied.
And when we conduct ourselves in this manner, not only will we not have to kowtow to the mores and culture of Egypt, but just the opposite. The rules and practices of the country will become subservient to this Jew who holds Torah and Mitzvahs to be primary and sacrosanct, like Yosef who was the ruler of the whole land of Egypt.
[sichos vayechi 5727]
