Chanukah referring to the rededication of the Beis Hamikdash derives from the same root as chinuch (education). The two ideas are connected in that both emphasize the importance of beginnings and building a solid foundation.
We have just learned again through the life of Yaakov Avinu one of the foundational ideas upon which our chinuch must be based. After all his travails with Lavan and Eisav Yaakov wanted nothing more than just to rest a bit — vayeishev Yaakov. But it was not to be. HaKadosh Baruch Hu delivered as Rashi explains the clearest possible message that there is no peace and relaxation for tzaddikim in this world. No matter how much you have achieved no matter how great your spiritual level if at this moment your greatest desire is to stay put then your place is not in This World it is in the Next.
Standing still is not just a dangerous idea it’s an impossibility. That is the message of the ladder Yaakov saw in his dream as he embarked on the journey to Padan Aram. The angels were in motion going up and coming down. None were stationary.
If we are not constantly pushing ourselves to go up we will go down (see the Vilna Gaon to Mishlei 15:24). The spiritual gravitational forces operating upon us are constantly pulling us lower and if we are not exerting a countervailing force the trajectory is inevitably earthbound.
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