'Zevulun will live by the sea coast....'' [Vayechi 49:13]
Zevulun would engage in business and provide food for the tribe of Yissachar, who would engage in Torah study. [Rashi to v. 13]
Until we reach the time when the nations will provide for the Jewish people [Brachos 35b] - after the coming of Moshiach - the majority of the Jewish people fall into the category of Zevulun, rather than Yissachar. Since this state of affairs is Divinely orchestrated, it follows that G-d's plan for creation must be carried out to a greater extent by the businessman than the Torah scholar - for otherwise, G-d would have made a world with more Torah scholars than businessmen.
This is because the ultimate purpose of creation is that ''G-d desired a home in the lowest realms'' [Tanchuma, Naso 7:1] and it is predominantly the businessman who works in these lowest realms, with the intention of elevating them to a higher purpose.
Source: Based on Likutei Sichos Lubavitcher Rebbe [vol 30 p 137]
B'nei Zevulun are Druze Jews, as per INN and Company, apparently.
ReplyDeleteDevorah.....you don't know how much I pray for this every single day.
ReplyDeleteThe raison d'etre of lifting the physical into the sphere of holiness.
Shabbat Shalom
Joe.