Is It Better to Face Life's Challenges or Never to Be Born?

Challenges, trials, and difficulties are an inseparable part of life. While there is much goodness in life, it's not always smooth sailing; not everything goes as planned, and our conscience isn't always clear. Sometimes we're plagued by guilt over things we said or did, or conversely, over words unsaid and deeds undone that we ought to have performed. A Jew's life involves constant self-reflection and introspection—considering what needs correction, where to improve, and how to strengthen. So, might it have been better to forgo the whole experience? Would it have been preferable if humanity had never been created? After all, even the Sages stated, "It is more comfortable for a person not to have been born than to be alive" (Eruvin 13b), leaving souls in the heavenly abode by the divine throne, without descending into the trials of an earthly lifetime.

In the Torah, we're told that on the sixth day of Creation, Hashem looked upon His creation, including humanity, and said, "And Hashem saw everything that He had made, and behold, it was very good" (Genesis 1:31). If Hashem considers the creation of the world and humanity as 'very good,' how could the Sages claim that it was more comfortable not to be created, and was this truly a superior alternative?

Firstly, it is certain that if Hashem, who knows the future of all generations, created humanity, it means that creation is for their benefit and perfect for their purpose. If the alternative were better for humanity, this world wouldn’t have been created. So what did the Sages mean when they said, "It is more comfortable for a person not to have been born than to be alive"? By examining the words chosen by the Sages, we notice they mentioned that it is 'comfortable' not to be born, but not 'better.' This implies that while it may be more comfortable, it is not superior.

Anyone who has achieved significant and great things in life knows that the path was far from easy. A mother cherishing a beloved child went through nine physically demanding months of pregnancy, culminating in labor and delivery; obtaining a certification in any field requires effort and diligence; establishing a charity organization demands securing funding and resources, continuous planning, and operation, etc. The product of these significant efforts does yield rewards, but to say it was "comfortable" for those behind these endeavors is untrue.

And this is one of the messages learned from the words of the Sages—man was not created to seek comfort; this is not the goal of our lives here. The reason we are granted life each day by the Creator is to step out of our comfort zones, push ourselves forward, fulfill our potential, and become a better version of ourselves. Only then can we attain the 'good,' the purpose of creation, for which humanity was created.

The life work of a Jew is not always easy, nor is it always comfortable. It is not always comfortable to walk on foot on the holy Shabbat instead of driving a car; it is not always comfortable to wake up early and not be late for the Shacharit prayer, but who said that comfort is the best way of life for us? Who said that ease is desired? All those who achieved great accomplishments, in any field, had a life philosophy opposite of seeking comfort. And why did they choose this in the first place? Because of the satisfaction they feel when they realize their potential. The difficulty accompanying the challenge is what elevates it to the next level, like an athlete adding weights to a fitness machine. The effort is what raises us up the rungs of the ladder. It is not easy, but it is good; it is not comfortable, but it grants fulfillment and makes us better.

Humanity is given life not for comfort, but to enable choosing good and growing to achieve perfect benefit.

Sometimes the choice is not between good and bad, but between good and comfort, like choosing whether to forgive when it's not obligatory; whether to perform an act of kindness when not compelled; whether to make the effort to rise early in the morning when one could sleep another half-hour; whether to study for another ten minutes or to forgo. To grow as humans, it is not enough to avoid negative actions; we must also fight our natural tendency for comfort. Awareness that the essence of a Jew’s life is choosing what is good and uncomfortable can help make the right choice.

In conclusion, the creation of humanity is perfect goodness, despite the hurdles along the way, which are essential for reaching ultimate fulfillment and eternal delight. One can live in the comfort zone, but those who remain there likely won't reach the pearls found in the depths of the sea...