Vayechi, וַיְחִי - And He Lived
Torah Portion: Genesis 47:28-50:26
Reading #1 - Genesis 47:28–48:9
My Thoughts:
Hashem’s blessings from father to sons. How beautiful that he was alive and coherent enough to bless his sons and grandsons before dying. Most men do not have that opportunity. They die instantly or slowly losing the ability to talk or reason. Jacob had the wonderful chance of being there mentally, emotionally and physically to bless his family. I am sure Hashem planned it that way. Maybe that is something we should seriously think about. Passing on a blessing to our sons, even before we get sick or die suddenly. It would be thoughtful planning to do it ahead of time. Consider doing this please.
Challenge:
When was the last time you told your son and/or daughter that you loved them? Whether they are two years old or forty years old, I challenge you to do that today (or as soon as possible). You never know when you or they will be gone from this life. Don’t be embarrassed and don’t delay doing this. I promise you will not regret doing so. And continue telling them every day or every time you see them. We all need to know that we are loved and hopefully and prayerfully they will tell you they love you back!
Reading #1 - Genesis 47:28–48:9
47:28 Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years. So the days of Jacob, the years of his life, were one hundred forty-seven years. 29 The time came near that Israel must die, and he called his son Joseph, and said to him, “If now I have found favor in your sight, please put your hand under my thigh, and deal kindly and truly with me. Please don’t bury me in Egypt, 30 but when I sleep with my fathers, you shall carry me out of Egypt, and bury me in their burying place.”
Joseph said, “I will do as you have said.”
31 Israel said, “Swear to me,” and he swore to him. Then Israel bowed himself on the bed’s head.
48 After these things, someone said to Joseph, “Behold, your father is sick.” He took with him his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim. 2 Someone told Jacob, and said, “Behold, your son Joseph comes to you,” and Israel strengthened himself, and sat on the bed. 3 Jacob said to Joseph, “Elohim Almighty appeared to me at Luz in the land of Canaan, and blessed me, 4 and said to me, ‘Behold, I will make you fruitful, and multiply you, and I will make of you a company of peoples, and will give this land to your offspring after you for an everlasting possession.’ 5 Now your two sons, who were born to you in the land of Egypt before I came to you into Egypt, are mine; Ephraim and Manasseh, even as Reuben and Simeon, will be mine. 6 Your offspring, whom you become the father of after them, will be yours. They will be called after the name of their brothers in their inheritance. 7 As for me, when I came from Paddan, Rachel died beside me in the land of Canaan on the way, when there was still some distance to come to Ephrath, and I buried her there on the way to Ephrath (also called Bethlehem).”
8 Israel saw Joseph’s sons, and said, “Who are these?”
9 Joseph said to his father, “They are my sons, who Elohim has given me here.”
He said, “Please bring them to me, and I will bless them.”
