When you Choose Shabbat, you choose to learn that every Shabbat is different and special. This week I learned about Parashat Veyechi aka Vaychi or Vayhi (Genesis 47:28 through 50:26) is the 12th weekly Torah portion in the annual cycle of Torah readings, concluding Genesis. According to Wikipedia, Veyechi contains 4,448 Hebrew letters, 1,158 words, 85 verses and 148 lines of the Torah Scroll. Veyechi, (וַיְחִי), translated as “and he lived“, tells the story of of Jacob’s request for burial in Canaan, Jacob’s blessing of Joseph’s sons Ephraim and Manasseh, Jacob’s blessing of his sons, Jacob’s death and burial and Joseph’s death.
Rabbi Michael D Klein of Temple Torat Emet offers his insights on this week’s Torah reading, Veyechi for Shabbat, December 30, 2023 aka the 18th of Tevet 5784:
“We are honored this Shabbat, to celebrate the Bar Mitzvah of Ari Smith, they youngest member of the Smith Family on this, the final Chapter of Genesis. All of the issues between Joseph and his brethren have been reconciled. Jacob, their father, imparts his final blessings before passing. As we close the door on one scenario, a new problem arises. The Nation of Israel are living in the Land of Goshen granted by Pharaoh under Joseph’s leadership. Joseph will pass from the scene and require his survivors to bring his bones back to Israel after his death; a promise not fulfilled until Moses, some 400 years later.
So too, we will witness dramatic changes in the attitude of the new dynasty in Egypt. The new Pharaohs will deliberately forget how Joseph, with G-d’s guidance, saved their nation from famine and caused the royal family of Egypt to have ownership of the majority of land.
Rashi relates that Joseph was the first of his brothers to die. This seems amazing considering that he lived to see great grandchildren. His lifespan, 110 years, is the shortest of all the early patriarchs. Perhaps, the stress of 80 years of leadership, and the difficult story of his life, from the age of 17, caused this.
The Sages speculate that Joseph was able to foresee the events which were to occur and the harsh slavery which would eventually ensue and this also hastened his earlier passing.
Modern psychologists and medical professionals often point out the enduring and debilitating effects of extreme stress on our health and well being. Perhaps, as we approach the beginning of a new secular year, there is an important message being given to us by the conclusion of the story of Joseph. Chazak, Chazak, VeNitchzek; be strong and take care of yourselves in the New Year!“
- What event marked the beginning of eventual slavery of the Jews in Egypt?
- Which tribe is responsible for giving us most of the Kings?
- What 3 important gifts did Reuven lose as the result of his improper conduct?
- Why did all of Egypt mourn the death of Yaakov?
Rabbi Michael D. Klein attended Yeshiva College of South Florida and served as Torah Reader, Hebrew teacher, Chazzan and spiritual leader of various synagogues throughout South Florida. In January 2015 he became Ritual Director, Bnai/Bnot Mitzvah instructor and 7th grade Hebrew instructor for Temple Torat Emet of Boynton Beach. In October 2019 he was accepted into an accelerated track and received his shicha from Yeshiva Adath Wolkowisk and has been the Rabbinic leadership of Temple Torat Emet since August 2020. In September of 2022 he was appointed Rabbinic and Spiritual Advisor of the Florida Region of FJMC.
Choose Shabbat; choose to celebrate, to light candles, sing songs and learn a little Torah.
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