RAV KOOK ON THE PARSHA PARSHAS VAYIGASH The Hazards of Leadership

Translated and abridged by Rabbi Chanan Morrison Parshat Vayigash Out of Jacob's twelve sons, it appears that Joseph was the first to die. 'Joseph died, and [then] his brothers and all that generation' (Ex. 1:6). Why was Joseph's life shorter than that of his brothers? The Sages explained the reason for Joseph's early demise was due to his public office. When one assumes a position of authority, 'his days and years are shortened' (Berachot 55a). Yet this hardly seems fair. Why should those who dedicate their lives to public affairs be punished with fewer years?