Venue: Young Israel of Oceanside Young Israel of Oceanside

Parsha:

Vayechi 

Collections: R' Jonathan Muskat Drashot

Description

This drasha explores a central question in religious life and education: What truly drives spiritual growth—challenge or simcha? Drawing on an encounter at a high school Shabbaton and contrasting educational instincts, it turns to Yaakov Avinu’s blessings to his children to offer a Torah model of growth that integrates both. While challenge is essential for development, it must be grounded in simcha—understood not as superficial happiness, but as relationship, emotional security, and lifnei Hashem. Yaakov’s individualized blessings, and the Friday night bracha we give our children, teach that lasting growth happens when demands are carried by love. For our children and for ourselves, the path of avodat Hashem requires stretching without breaking—challenge rooted in connection, meaning, and joy.