Parshat Vayechi
Genesis 47:28-50:26
Jacob lives for 17 years in Egypt. He feels that his death is imminent. He makes Joseph swear to bury him in Canaan. Prior to his death, Jacob formally adopts Joseph's sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, and blesses them. In the blessing, he elevates the younger Ephraim over Manasseh, explaining to Joseph that Ephraim would father a larger people than Manasseh.
On his deathbed, Jacob summons his sons. He describes the character and depicts the future of each one. Jacob directs his sons to bury him in the Cava of Machpelah.
Following his death, Jacob is embalmed. A great Egyptian procession accompanies Joseph and his brothers to Canaan. When they reach Goren HaAtad, Joseph observes a seven day mourning period for his father. Joseph and his brothers return to Egypt after the burial. Although the brothers are concerned that Joseph will take revenge upon them now that Jacob is dead, Joseph tells them they have no cause for concern.
The book of Genesis closes with Joseph's death at 110 years of age. On his deathbed, he speaks to his brothers, requesting that his bones be taken back to the land promised to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.
Questions for your Shabbat Table:
- It is from this parsha that we have the custom of parents blessing their children - boys after Ephraim and Manasseh, Joseph's sons, and girls after the matriarchs - Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah. What does it mean for you to receive a blessing? How does it feel?
- The famine in Canaan lasted seven year, but we know from this portion that Jacob lived 17 years in the land of Egypt. Why do you think his family remained there even after the famine ended?
- Joseph brings his two sons for Jacob to bless. In the parsha, Jacob responds, "Who are these?", for he saw two boys dressed as Egyptians and speaking Egyptian; they didn't "look" like members of the Hebrew tribes. What does it mean, today, to "look Jewish"? In what ways do you see yourself as Jewish? What connects you and Judaism?
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