D’var Torah – January 2
Shabbat Shalom from Rabbi Scott Klein!
Parashah (Torah Portion): Vayechi
Annual Torah Reading – Bereishit (Genesis) 47:28-50:26
Haftarah – I Kings 2:1-12
Dear Beth El Community,
This week, we reach a powerful and poignant milestone as we conclude the first book of the Torah with Parshat Vayechi, which means “and he lived.” While the portion begins with a reflection on Jacob’s seventeen peaceful years in Egypt, it primarily focuses on his final days and the legacy he leaves for his children and grandchildren. The heart of the parasha lies in the blessings Jacob bestows upon his descendants. In a moving scene, Jacob crosses his arms to place his right hand on the younger grandson, Ephraim, and his left on the older, Manasseh, signaling that spiritual leadership is not always a matter of birthright, but of character and divine intent. He then gathers all twelve of his sons to offer each a unique, poetic, and sometimes starkly honest blessing, foretelling their future roles as the Twelve Tribes of Israel.
The book of Bereishit ends with the deaths of both Jacob and Joseph, but not before they each make their families swear to carry their bones back to the Promised Land. As we finish the final verses, the congregation will rise and exclaim: Chazak, chazak, v’nitchazek! — “Be strong, be strong, and let us strengthen one another!” Vayechi teaches us about the importance of intentional legacy. Jacob does not leave his family’s future to chance; he uses his final moments to provide guidance, define their unique strengths, and remind them of their ultimate destination. It challenges us to think about the “blessings” we are leaving behind – not just material wealth, but the values, stories, and ethical guidance that will sustain those who follow us.
Here’s how we can take action this week:
* Identify Your Strengths: Reflect on Jacob’s unique blessings for his sons. What is your “tribe”? What is the specific strength or talent you contribute to our community?
* Bless the Next Generation: If you have children or grandchildren, take a moment this Friday night to offer them a personal blessing, focusing on their unique character traits rather than their achievements.
* Strengthen One Another: As we finish this book of the Torah, reach out to a fellow congregant to offer a word of strength or encouragement, embodying the spirit of v’nitchazek.
May this Shabbat inspire us to live with the same intentionality as Jacob, building a legacy of faith and strength for the generations to come.