7540 —שנותיו הטובות של יעקב במצרים וכוח לימוד התורה

Shalom u'Vrachah! [14 Teves 5721]

Based on the story we heard from my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe, of blessed memory, that when the tzt"z was a child and learned the verse 'Vayechi Yaakov b'Eretz Mitzrayim sheva esreh shanah' ('And Yaakov lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years'), his teacher translated for him—according to the commentary of Baal HaTurim—that our forefather Yaakov lived his seventeen best years in Egypt (the choicest years of Yaakov were those seventeen years he lived in Egypt). When he came home from cheder, he asked his grandfather, the Alter Rebbe: How is it possible that Yaakov Avinu, the choicest of the Patriarchs, had his best years during those seventeen years spent in Egypt, a place of depravity?

The Alter Rebbe answered him: It is written, 'Ve'et Yehudah shalach lefanav el Yosef lehorot lefanav Goshna' ('And he sent Yehudah before him to Yosef to direct him to Goshen'), and it is stated in Midrash—brought by Rashi—Rabbi Nechemiah said: To establish for him a house of study, so that there would be Torah there and that the tribes would engage in Torah; 'lehorot lefanav Goshna,' when one studies Torah one becomes closer to the Aibershter (the Blessed One Above), and even in Egypt there was true living ('Vayechi') (when one studies Torah one draws close to Hashem and then it is truly 'Vayechi'—one lives—even in Egypt).

May it be His will that each person, even within his own personal 'Egypt,' should have his life fit this explanation of the Alter Rebbe above—that it can truly be said about them that these are their best years. This is achieved through studying both Nigleh (revealed Torah) and Chassidus, for great is study as it leads to action—the fulfillment of mitzvos about which it is said 'v'chai bahem' ('and you shall live by them'), true life. This will also hasten redemption from all confusion, limitations, and personal 'Egypts,' as it says: 'to save him from the hand of Egypt and to elevate him,' etc.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that true life—even amid spiritual exile or challenge—comes through Torah study and mitzvah observance. By connecting with G‑d through learning and action, every Jew can transform their own 'Egypt' into their best years.