Parshat VaYeishev

Rashi at the beginning of Parshat VaYeishev notes that, "Bikeish Yaakov LeiSheiv B'Shalva, MiYad Kafatz Alav Rogzo Shel Yosef." Yaakov was ready to settle down after all of the crazy events that had occured to him in his life. Running from Eisav, dealing with Lavan, the Dinah in Shchem story, and others had taken their toll, and he was ready to live out his life peacefully. When Hashem saw this attitude of Yaakov, he immediately began the chain reaction that would lead to Mechirat Yosef. Hashem knows that the Tzadikim will enjoy Olam HaBa in the future, they shouldn't get to enjoy Olam HaZeh too.

Rav Moshe Feinstein notes that this is a very strange idea. First of all, why shouldn't Tzadikim also live peacefully in this world? Secondly, the Gemara (Horiyot 10b) seems to say that Hashem doesn't mind if Tzadikim get Hanaah in this world. What does all of this mean?

Rav Moshe explains the whole story a little differently. He explains that Yaakov wanted to settle down in regards to Chinuch and Limud HaBanim. He figured that at this point they were old enough and had been influenced by being raised in his home that they were all Tzadikim. Once Yaakov let down his gaurd in regards to being MiChaneich his children, the events leading to the sale of Yosef began immediately.

Rav Moshe notes that one can never stop being MiChaneich one's children or students even if they are older and even if they are all Tzadikim and Talmidei Chachamim. Even in such instances a father/teacher can never be Meisiach Daas about properly educating his children/students in Torah and giving them the Tochacha and Eitzot they need to be successful.

The job of MiChaneich, be it professional or parental, never stops.