Yaakov and his son Zevulun represent opposite ends of the Torah‑study spectrum. Yaakov is called “an innocent man who dwelled in tents,” a reference to his extended studies in the “tents of Shem and Eiver,” the centers of Torah study of his time. Zevulun, on the other hand, arranged with his brother Yissachar that “Zevulun will dwell at the seashore, and go out in ships to trade and make profit. They will thereby provide food for the tribe of Yissachar, who will sit and occupy themselves with the study of Torah.”
We find, however, that upon the birth of Zevulun his mother said, “From now on, his [Yaakov’s] principal residence (zevul) will be only with me.” Meaning, in spiritual terms, that Torah study—represented by Yaakov—finds its “permanent home” specifically in the company of Zevulun, the person preoccupied with business and worldly affairs.
Practically, this means that the strength and endurance of the Jewish people’s dedication to G‑d and His Torah is revealed when a Jew sets aside time for Torah study despite his engagement with the world—more so than in the diligent study of those who do not engage at all with the outside world.
It was therefore specifically upon the arrival of the worldly Zevulun that his mother’s tent became the permanent and principal residence of Yaakov, who represents Torah study, because the (limited) Torah study of the worldly Zevulun is imbued with a tenacity and “permanence” that the Torah study of others does not have.
—Likkutei Sichos, vol. 30, pp. 137–140
