Parshat VaYchi

 This page is dedicated to categorizing and slightly expanding the blurbs of each article on the parsha. Instead of presenting here per how things were written chronologically (in the order of the years each was written), the goal is to divide in the order of the narrative's subject matter.

 Vaychi:

Yaakov v Yisrael

The Difference Between the Torah's Usage of "Yisrael" and "Yaakov" - exploring physical and spiritual aspects of the two names of our third forefather

Yisrael and Yaakov - Round 2 Following in the footsteps of Round 1, we present the view of Or HaChaim on the differences between these names, in terms of Yaakov/Yisrael the man, and how each name is utilized when describing him in the narrative. 

Each of us is Yaakov AND Yisrael - Round 3? - The names of Yaakov and Yisrael have different meanings when it comes to what they mean for the nation as a whole, and the individuals of that nation, which is every single Jewish person. Following in the footsteps of earlier presentations on the subject of these names, we examine what these names mean for us, more than what they say about the third patriarch.

Yaakov and Yosef

My Sword and My Bow - Yaakov gifts Shechem to Yosef, having "taken it from the Emorites with my sword and my bow." Noting how no such military confrontation is recorded in the Torah (though Yalkut Shimoni presents a fascinating account of a such a battle), we explore what Yaakov may have meant. Was he referencing an actual military bout, or is the imagery of the sword and bow meant to conjure up a different image?

Yaakov and His End of Life Decisions - Yaakov puts his house in order before he dies, having made arrangements, and having instructed all of his children. May we learn from his model and merit to do the same before we reach the end of our lives. 

Yaakov Prepares - Even Before His Final Illness - Another treatment on the subject of putting the house in order, noting that Yaakov did so even before his final illness. Did he know he was sick? Did he know he was dying?

Yaakov and Ephraim and Menashe

The Son and the Grandsons - Yaakov meets Ephraim and Menashe for the last time, as the people involved in the go-between from Yosef to Yaakov, as well as the actual meeting with Yaakov and grandsons (as spelled out in the text) is part of the Torah's narrative. How involved were they in their grandfather's life? Recall that they were born before Yaakov's arrival in the land, and even before the famine began - so they are likely in their twenties at this point in time (since Yaakov has been in the land for 17 years). Does this change how we view the story?

Yaakov blesses his sons

The Bracha to Naftali - An analysis of the blessing to Naftali which has a serious divergence of viewpoint as to how the words are to be translated and what they mean. Clearly not exhaustive, but certainly suggestive that there are different possibilities as to what Yaakov was referring in blessing this son of Bilhah. 

Shimon - Flawed Tribe - This analysis of Shimon is fair game for a number of parshas in which Shimon is presented as a character in the narrative. In this parsha he only appears in the "blessing" given to him and Levi (together).

Sin is Not Recognizing True Diversity - One of the challenges humans face is how to accept that others think differently, and in some cases have extremely different viewpoints as to how things should be. This is true in politics, this is true in medical decisions, this was true for how people reacted to covid. And this was true for Yaakov's children who had very different challenges (in particular we see tales of Leah's oldest four sons) and very different personalities contributing to how they related to certain women, to Yosef, to the concept of their being brothers from one father and four different mothers. Somehow, people need to live together despite their differences, without resorting to name-calling, ad-hominem attacks, calling others "dangerous," and without isolating people simply because a majority (or even a loud minority) thinks they have a handle on "how things should be."

Yaakov's death

You Go, and You Go Too - Yaakov instructed Yosef to tend to his funeral, then instructed his other sons as well. This is one way in which a father, even after death, can try to put his sons on a path of remaining an intact family. Does it always work? Much depends on their attitudes and other factors of what may have driven them apart. In Yaakov's case, it may have worked with or without his instruction. But he certainly tried!

The Power of a Kiss - Yosef kisses his father when Yaakov dies. Here we examine other kisses in Tanakh, noting certain similarities of circumstance (they are mostly between people of the same sex), and the meaning of a kiss. The conclusion decries certain liberties people take in public contexts, noting that certain kisses are inappropriate from a modesty and halakhic standpoint.

Yaakov's funeral

Eisav's Head and Self Preservation - There are essentially two approaches presented in Midrashim (and the Talmud) as to when and how Eisav died. One presents Eisav's death as coming in reaction to Eisav and co. preventing Yaakov's burial. The other presents Eisav's death as coming as an act of defense at Yitzchak's funeral. Presenting both sides, we try to reconcile which is more likely to have been closer to the truth. At the very least, we explore which is a better lesson for anyone reading these Midrashic narratives. 

How Many Times Was Yaakov Buried? - While it seems like a bizarre question, the reality of how Yaakov's journey from death to Me'aras HaMachpela is presented in the Torah leaves many more questions than answers. Additionally, Yaakov's own expression of his desires for burial leave Yosef and brothers with different messages and different takeaways for anyone's final resting place plans. 

Yosef reconciles with his brothers?

Making Up Stories - In the recalling of Yaakov's "final words" to Yosef, which was reportedly conveyed to the brothers to tell Yosef after Yaakov's death, one wonders if that exchange actually took place, or if the brothers made it up. Much is contingent on whether Yaakov was aware of the sale of Yosef (a topic of a much different discussion, though discussed in Parshas Vayigash - see "Did Yaakov Know Yosef was Alive?") Let the reader come to your own conclusion as to whether the brothers were lying or telling the truth - though in their defense (if lying) it was for the sake of peace. Which has its merits.

Yosef's death

Death With Dignity - The Frum, Jewish Way - The way Yosef puts his house in order, prepares for burial, reconciles with his brothers is a source of inspiration. It is also a source of reminding us to do the same long before our time comes, so that we can live our final years (may they be many!) knowing that everything is arranged, paid for, and our family is intact - to the best of our ability. 

The Box in Which Yosef Was Placed - The last verse in the parsha seems like an anti-climactic end to the book of Bereshis. The proposal here is that Yosef's being placed in a box in Egypt (though where that coffin/sarcophogus was then placed is debated) was a source of inspiration that the promises of leaving Egypt one day would always be remembered as long as people knew where Yosef was buried and that he had promised that one day they'd all leave Egypt.