Rav Shapiro makes clear that, far from boasting, Jacob was taking himself to task. “I lived with Laban all those years. I observed how single-minded he was in pursuit of his worldly desires. But I did not learn a lesson from him that could have enhanced my life. Yes, I observed Taryag mitzvot, but I never achieved the same fervor in pursuing my spiritual goals. My excitement in observing mitzvot paled to his thrill in pursuing his meaningless goals.”
Too often we assume our learning and observance must be measured against the finest among us. But such a perspective invites a sense of failure. How can I possibly live up to the standards and achievements of the Chofetz Chaim or Rav Aaron Kotler or Rav Moshe Feinstein? Wiser to evaluate our achievements not against the best but against the worst. Im Laban…
It sounds odd. It feels odd. But isn’t that what Rav Shapiro’s teaching suggests? I cannot expect to be like Reb Moshe or Reb Yaakov but I certainly can exceed the Labans of the world.
The Chofetz Chaim was once told of the seemingly enormous success of missionaries throughout Europe. “What,” he was asked, “can we do to respond to all these lies they are spreading?”
The Chofetz Chaim smiled. “If we were to work for the emes [truth] with an emes [genuine sincerity] like they work for the sheker [lie] with an emes, I can assure you we would experience enormous success.”
Im Laban…