This week we conclude the book of Bereishis (Genesis) with Parsha Vayechi (Gen. 47:28 - 50:26. The interesting thing about this Torah Portion is the name, "Vayechi" which means "and he lived" the first word in the reading. "Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years..." Why? Because the end of the Parsha is about the death of Jacob.
There is then a touching scene in which Jacob demands that Joseph not bury him in Egypt but back in the Land of Israel. Joseph says he will do that and brings his two sons Manasseh (Menashe) and Ephraim to visit with Jacob and to be blessed by him. To this day it is a tradition to bless our sons every Shabbat evening with the blessing, "May the Almighty make you like Ephraim and Manasseh". Why is that? Because the two boys grew up in the Diaspora amongst foreign influences and still remained devoted to the Torah. It should be a blessing that we, even here in Iowa, can grow up but still remain loyal to our faith.
And, no, we do not forget our daughters on Shabbat. The blessing for them is, "May the Almighty make you to be like Sarah, Rivka, Rachel, and Leah"
We then learn that a large group from Pharaoh's court accompanies the family to Hebron to bury Jacob in the Ma'arat Hamachpela, the burial cave purchased by Abraham.
The brothers now feared that Joseph would take revenge on them for the evil they committed long ago. However, Joseph forgives them and says, "Although you intended me harm, G-d intended it for good in order to accomplish - it is as clear as this day - that a vast people be kept alive. So now, fear not - I will sustain you and your young ones."
Quite a lesson in forgiveness and the ultimate belief that G-d has things under control.
Shabbat Services
We will meet on Friday evening the 10th of January at 7:15PM for our January service and then our Midrash (Torah Study) on this portion will be at 10:00AM on Shabbat (Saturday) the 11th. Everyone is welcome.
Shabbat Shalom and see you in Shul!
The Torah portion ends with the death of Joseph and his binding the Israelites to bring his remains with them for burial when they are redeemed from slavery and go to the land of Israel. Thus ends the book of Genesis!
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