Chosen People #4

[Seema1]

Is it  a greater challenge ( i.e.  more difficult to succeed) if one's tafkid is to be a "sur merah" as opposed to an "aseh tov".  When one is born with the inclination  to be involved in this world more physically one is faced with so many more distractions to hinder his success.  A "yoshev ohalim" isn't faced with these obstacles.  What are the challenges to his success? (laziness?)

Also, if there is no conflict when we focus only on ruchnius - why were the avos blessed with prosperity. ( Especially Yakov - Even Aisav challenged that.)

Seema

[Tikvah]

If you are yoshev ohalim and sit in the beit midrash all day you will certainly have less opportunities to sin then if you are out in the business world.

Perhaps, people who have a seemingly easier tafkid are judged to a higher standard. Big temptations in the beit midrash/yoshev ohelim world,  in addition to laziness, are judging people and lashon hara. (I once heard from a Rav that there are quite a few teshuvot on how to adjust the heater/air conditioner in a public space because that is something talmidim in the beit midrash tend to get testy about.)

Ultimately, I think the real  answer to this question is that, Hashem is able to judge each person according to a standard appropriate for them and their situation.

Perhaps the Avot were blessed with prosperity so the would not have to worry about their gashmiut and could thus concentrate all their efforts on ruchaniut.

Tikvah