Reply To: Figuring out our purpose in life

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Reb Eliezer
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The Binah Leitim explains the passage in Pirkei Avos, im lomadta Torah harbeh, al tachzik tovah leatzmecha, don’t keep the best for yourself. ki lekach notzarto, you were created to help others. For yourself, you did not need to be created. If one learns just for himself, would have been better not be created as he does not satisfy the purpose of creation, to help others. The Ben Ish Chai says that lekach has two kafs, one closed and one open. poseach tiftach es yadcha, open up your clenched fist. The Midrash in Koheles compares this to a fox who sees an vineyard sorrounded by a fence which has a small hole, so he has to fast to get through. When he fills himself up with grapes, he becomes fat again, so he has to fast again. A person is born with a clenched fist but dies with an open hand. There are no pockets in the tachrichim. We cannot take it with us.