post #2: a continuation on that strange irony that fills the world

The mystical study of Judaism explains that our purpose is to bring light into the world. Our world is full of darkness: strife, poverty, ignorance. Light is the revelation of connection, abundance, spiritual essence. 

Jewish mysticism teaches that the highest form of this light is not meant to be drawn down smoothly. It is through trial and tribulation that the most sublime light comes forth: precisely through struggling with the darkness of this world we wrestle the greatest beauty out of it. Thus that sublime irony again: struggle can often be a sign of greatness, success. 

“And Jacob was left alone, and a [angel] wrestled with him until the break of dawn [...] ‘No longer will your name be Yaakov, but Yisrael’, said the [angel],’ for you have struggled with G-d and man and have prevailed’.” Genesis 32:25 - 29