(א לז) “כנען בארץ אביו מגורי בארץ יעקב וישב”
Rashi brings the explanation of Chazal (Bereishis Rabbah 84 3) that the passuk “Vayeishev Yaakov” expresses Yaakov’s yearning to dwell in peace in this world. But his request was not fulfilled, and he was stricken with the troubles of Yosef, as HaKadosh Baruch Hu said: “Is it not enough for the tzaddikim what is waiting for them in Olam Haba, and they ask to dwell in peace in this world?!”
The Teshuvos Vehanhagos explains that a person should not aspire to dwell in peace in this world, because the way he handles difficult events that afflict him in this temporary and transient world in which we live is what determines his status in Olam Haba.
In this context, he brings a story that occurred with his rebbi, Rav Moshe Schneider, Rosh Yeshivas Toras Emes in London: One of the talmidim went before his wedding to the Rosh Yeshivah’s room and asked for a brachah. “What would you like to ask for?” the Rosh Yeshivah asked, and the bochur replied, “That everything should go smoothly in my home and I shouldn’t have to deal with difficulties.”
“That’s not a brachah!” the Rosh Yeshivah replied right away, “I’ll bless you that you should successfully cope with all the difficulties that you will experience in your life.”
