The word "be'yadam," in their hands, is specifically used here to show us that one must use both hands in this world, one to strive for spirituality and the other for physical needs. Those who conducted their lives like Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai were unsuccessful because he posited that only spirituality need be pursued. Moreover, according to Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, why would Hashem create man with more than just a right hand ? Those who followed Rabbi Yishmael succeeded because they used both their hands, one to sustain them physically and the other to launch them spiritually.

The strength and dexterity that Hashem has placed in one's right hand generally exceeds that of his left. This reminds us that Hashem desires that we emphasize spiritual pursuits in our life, leaving physical pursuits as the inferior priority -- along this line, one's left hand is generally weaker than his right. The Torah teaches us, "Remember Hashem, your G-d, for he gives you the strength to endeavor." He is the source and his divine apportionment among your hands are your guide. Even though, on the surface, the right and left hand are the same physically, one must distinguish between them and thereby accord the right hand primary importance.