A World of Pain, or of Pleasure?

In a letter to one of his disciples, Maimonides describes the taxing daily schedule he endured as court physician to the sultan of Egypt. It not only drained him to the point of exhaustion, it also left him nearly no time to pursue the true joy of his life: Torah study.

Nevertheless, Maimonides writes in his Guide for the Perplexed, that despite any negative or unpleasant element in this world, Torah views it as a place of good, a place of hope.

Similarly, in the life of the Jewish People: Torah informs us that the life of a Jew in exile will be difficult. At the same time, Torah obligates – and empowers – the Jew to serve G-d with joy.

There is a saying, “Even in the king’s chamber, a spider can bite.” But when you’re with the king, you don’t pay attention to it – you’re too caught up in the pleasure of being in the presence of his majesty. This world is the innermost chamber of G-d’s dwelling. Thus, when you’re brought so close to the Kings of kings, it’s impossible to experience anything but joy.