A Jew who spent his time learning Torah and doing mitzvot once approached me and asked, “Rabbi, why do I have so many physical and spiritual problems?”
“Do you often travel by plane?” I asked.
“Yes.”
“Do you study Torah on your trips?” I pressed him.
“I cannot muster the concentration necessary for that.”
“So what do you occupy yourself with during the long hours in the air?”
“I am busy thinking about ways of expanding my business and whom to use as my suppliers.”
“Very interesting,” I said, thoughtfully stroking my beard. “You have a head for thinking up all sorts of novel innovations for you business, but when it comes to Torah study, you lose all focus.
“The Torah clearly states (Devarim 6:7), ‘You shall speak of them while you sit in your home, while you walk on the way…’ Even when we are in transit, we are adjured to be involved in Torah study. Our thoughts should be in lofty places.
“For this reason, Eisav came to attack Yaakov specifically when Yaakov was on the way. It is difficult to concentrate on Torah study when one is traveling. But when Torah is weakened, Eisav becomes strengthened.
“Eisav’s descendant, Amalek, also attacked our nation in transit, as the pasuk states (ibid. 25:18), “That he happened upon you on the way.” When our nation was traveling in the Wilderness and their senses were somewhat dulled, they were accosted by Amalek, who attempted to cause them to sin. For this reason, we are commanded to eradicate them.
“But when a Jew exerts himself to concentrate on Torah study even while on the road, the power of Yaakov and everything he stands for brings blessing upon the world. The Satan is debilitated and cannot do anything but stand by the side, gritting his teeth in frustration.
“This is a tried and true method of removing problems from a person.”
