Joseph buried his father.  “And Joseph went up to bury his father.”  There was none greater among the children of Israel than Joseph.  Moses excelled him afterward, however; therefore we find, “And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him.”  But the world has seen none greater than Moses, therefore ’tis written, “And He (God) buried him in the valley.”

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When trouble and sorrow become the portion of Israel, and the fainthearted separate from their people, two angels lay their hands upon the head of him who withdraws, saying, “This one shall not see the comfort of the congregation.”

When trouble comes to the congregation it is not right for a man to say, “I will go home; I will eat and drink; and things shall be peaceful to me;” ’tis of such a one that the holy book speaks, saying, “And behold there is gladness and joy; slaying of oxen, and killing of sheep; eating of flesh, and drinking of wine.  ’Let us eat and drink, for to-morrow we must die.’  And it was revealed in my ears by the Lord of Hosts; surely the iniquity shall not be forgiven ye until ye die.”

Our teacher, Moses, always bore his share in the troubles of the congregation, as it is written, “They took a stone and put it under him.”  Could they not have given him a chair or a cushion?  But then he said, “Since the Israelites are in trouble (during the war with Amalek) lo, I will bear my part with them, for he who bears his portion of the burden will live to enjoy the hour of consolation.  Woe to the one who thinks, ’Ah, well, I will neglect my duty; who can know whether I bear my part or not;’ even the stones of his house, aye, the limbs of the trees, shall testify against him, as it is written, ’For the stones will cry from the wall, and the limbs of the trees will testify.’”

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Rabbi Meir said, “When a man teaches his son a trade, he should pray to the Possessor of the world, the Dispenser of wealth and poverty; for in every trade and pursuit of life both the rich and the poor are to be found.  It is folly for one to say, ’This is a bad trade, it will not afford me a living;’ because he will find many well to do in the same occupation.  Neither should a successful man boast and say, ’This is a great trade, a glorious art, it has made me wealthy;’ because many working in the same line as himself have found but poverty.  Let all remember that everything is through the infinite mercy and wisdom of God.”

Rabbi Simon, the son of Eleazer, said, “Hast thou ever noted the fowls of the air and beasts of the field how easily their maintenance is provided for them; and yet they were only created to serve me.  Now should not I find a livelihood with even less trouble, for I was made to serve my fellow-creatures?  But, alas!  I sinned against my Creator, therefore am I punished with poverty and obliged to labor.”