By Rabbi Yisroel Shusterman
This week’s Parsha
Perspective is dedicated in memory of Elka
bas Zisel OBM
Dedicated in memory
of Leah bas Rochel OBM
Why does this
week's Torah reading (Genesis 47:28 - 50:26) - which
describes the end of Jacob’s life, his death and his funeral -- carry the
title Vayechi, "And He Lived"?
Let me be faithful
to Jewish tradition and try to answer one question with another question.
Interestingly, the Torah never actually states that Jacob died. It simply says
that "he expired and was gathered unto his people”. This
prompted one of the Talmudic sages to expound that "our father Jacob
never died." Whereupon his colleagues challenged him and
asked, "Did they then bury Jacob for no reason? Did they eulogize him
in vain?" To which the Talmud answers: "As his
descendants live, so does he live."
Life does not end
with the grave. The soul never dies and the good work men and women do on earth
continues to live on long after their physical passing. More particularly, if
there is regeneration, if children emulate the example of their forbears, then
their parents and teachers live on through them.
When Jacob was about
to breathe his last, he called his children to gather round his bedside. Our
Parshah recounts what he told each of them. But the Midrash gives us a
behind-the-scenes account. Apparently, Jacob was anxious to know whether all
his offspring were keeping the faith and he put this concern to them at that
time. They replied, Shma Yisrael Hashem Elokeinu
Hashem Echad--"Hear O Israel, the L-rd is our G-d, the L-rd
is One." They were saying that the G-d of Israel their father would always
be their G-d, too. Jacob was comforted and responded, Baruch Shem Kevod
Malchuto L'olam Vaed--"Blessed be the Name of the glory of His
Kingdom forever and ever"3 (or in plain English, Baruch Hashem! Thank
G-d!)
When all of Jacob's
children remained faithful to his tradition, that was not only a tribute to
Jacob's memory but the ultimate gift of eternal life bestowed upon him. His
spirit lives on, his life's work continues to flourish and he is still present
in this world as his soul lives on in the next.
In following his
path, Jacob's children immortalized him. Such a Parshah is aptly
entitled Vayechi, "And he lived." Ultimately, our children
make us immortal. And so do our students, our spiritual children. May we each
be privileged to raise families and disciples who will be true children of
Israel, faithful to our father Jacob and the G-d of Israel.
(Excerpts
from Chabad.org - from Rabbi Yossy Goldman)
May you have a
meaningful and uplifting Shabbos!
If you would like to
dedicate the weekly Parsha Perspective in honor or memory of a person
or occasion, please contact Rabbi Shusterman at yshusterman@chedermonsey.org
