Vayechi – Page 14 – Peninim on the Torah

“Dan shall judge his people as one of the tribes of Yisrael.” (49:16)

Rashi states that the pasuk is referring to Shimshon, who judged Klal Yisrael. The Rashbam and Kli Yakar disagree. They maintain that the pasuk applies to all judges. Horav Elchanan Sorotzkin z.t.l. questions the emphasis on shevet Dan. Were there not judges from the other tribes? Indeed, Yissachar merited to be represented by two hundred heads of the Sanhedrin. What was so unique about shevet Dan, and especially Shimshon, that was distinguished for recognition? Horav Sorotzkin explains that, although the other tribes also produced judges and erudite scholars who judged and led Klal Yisrael, Shimshon was unique in his “profession.”…

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Sruly Schnair In 5754, Vayechi

“Dan shall judge his people . . . Dan shall be a serpent in the way.” (49:16,17)

The Kli Yakar notes the fact that Yaakov compared Dan to a serpent, while, in contrast, Moshe compared him to a lion. He suggests the disparity in metaphor is due to the dual challenges facing a judge. Some litigants openly confront a judge with defiance and impudence, casting aspersion on his legal decisions. On the other hand, others cloak their evil intentions under a facade of acceptance, while they secretly slander the judge with venomous gossip. The judge must be strong and resolute in responding to these divergent critics. At times, he must maintain the strength and courage of the…

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Sruly Schnair In 5754, Vayechi

And Yosef died . . . and he was put in a coffin in Egypt.” (50:26)

The family was unable to remove Yosef’s body from Egypt. Indeed, had Yosef not been under oath to remove Yaakov’s body from Egypt for burial, it would also have been impossible. Horav Avigdor Miller, Shlita, suggests that these instances demonstrate the enormous impossibility of having procured permission for the entire Bnei Yisrael to leave Egypt. Since this was the situation under Yosef’s rule, how much more inconceivable would this venture be some 210 years later under the tyrannical Egyptian bondage. They might have despaired and completely assimilated in response to the hopeless situation, had it not been for Yosef’s dying…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5753, Vayechi

Shimon and Levi are brothers… cursed be their anger for it is fierce and their fury for it is hard.”(49:5,7)

Rashi notes that even during his reproach to Shimon and Levi, Yaakov designated only their anger as inappropriate. Their action and resulting consequences were not Yaakov’s focus. Rather, he deplored their origin. Unrestrained fury ignited their fiery response to their sister’s debasement. Indeed, anger is viewed by the Arizal as the ultimate contaminant of morality. When anger begins to direct a man’s conduct, the sparks of holiness which permeate his soul depart from him, only to be replaced by the powers of spiritual impurity. Countless times Chazal have described the consequences suffered by a person who becomes angry. Although this…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5753, Vayechi

“Yosef is a charming son, charming to the eye.” (49:22)

The commentaries offer varied interpretations of Yaakov’s blessing to Yosef. They all share the common concept that Yosef’s blessing is imbued with the warmest terms of affection. Yaakov keeps his most commendatory blessing for Yosef, the one who is twice referred to as “son.” After all his suffering, Yosef receives his due acclaim and reward. Horav Eli Munk, z.l., defines Yosef’s distinction in the following manner: Yehudah was proclaimed the undisputed leader over the brothers. He demonstrated natural authority and enjoyed uncontested popularity. Yosef, however, whose spiritual and physical attributes were greater, always provoked the jealousy and hatred of the…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5753, Vayechi

“And Yosef said to his brothers, I am dying and Hashem will surely remember you…and you shall bring up my bones from here.” (50:24,25)

After a distinguished career leading Bnei Yisrael, Yosef prepared to leave them with the words of encouragement that were to ring in their ears forever. Hashem will remember you! Yosef entreated his brothers to be sure to remove his bones from Egypt when they departed from exile. Yosef was not interred with the Patriarchs in Me’oras Hamachpailah. Rather, he was buried in Shechem. Horav Avigdor Miller, Shlita, suggests the following reasons for this. First, Yosef’s burial place was to serve as a monument to Hashem’s justice and His Providence. Yosef’s ordeal began in Shechem and it ended there some 250…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5752, Vayechi

“And like fish they shall multiply in the midst of the earth.” (48:16)

Rashi explains that the word udshu originates from the word ds (fish). Thus, the blessing was that Efraim and Menashe should multiply and grow just as fish multiply and grow without the evil eye affecting them. This part of the blessing was so basic that the fish symbol served as the emblem on the banner of the tribe of Efraim. Even today the fish emblem serves as a talisman against the effect of the evil eye. This effect stems from the occult power of the jealousy, hatred, and envy of others. The Sefas Emes states that if Yosef and his…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5752, Vayechi

Shimon and Levi are brothers… into their council let my soul not come.” (49:5-6)

Despite the fact that Yaakov rebuked Shimon and Levi equally, we find that historically these two brothers went disparate ways. The tribe of Levi was chosen to carry the mantle of the priesthood, while the tribe of Shimon seemingly did not attain such a lofty position. We may suggest that this was because Shimon was the instigator whose aggressive actions led to the execution of the men of Shechem. In contrast, Levi was merely a follower who came under the influence of his brother. This characterization of Levi lies in his name, which is derived from the pasuk “Now this…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5752, Vayechi

“Yehudah, your brothers shall praise (elevate) you.” (49:8)

Despite the fact that he was the fourth son, Yehudah spoke up to save Yosef’s life. He was also the valiant spokesman for Binyamin. Hashem rewarded him for his valor, promising that the future leadership of Am Yisrael was to be his. Yaakov’s prophesy applied not only to royalty, but also to the full name of nationhood which eventually was derived from Yehudah’s name: “Yehudim”. Horav Avigdor Miller Shlita explains that the word “Yehudah” in its noun form, is derived from “hod” which denotes elevation, splendor, or majesty. As a verb it acquires the meaning of praising or elevating. It…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5752, Vayechi

“All these” were the twelve tribes of Israel. And “this” was what their father said to them and he blessed them, each according to his blessing he blessed them.” (49:28)

Yaakov was able to discern the diversity within the twelve tribes. In his blessing to his sons he reflected upon this. “All these” represented the tribes of Israel. Yaakov spoke to them of “this,” recognizing the underlying unity that existed among the tribes. When divergent opinions exist within any group, discord rules: Each member is struggling to impose his opinion on the other members. Regarding Am Yisrael, however, while each tribe and each community may have its own particular traditions, reflecting its own individual virtue, Yaakov blessed each one distinctively. Yet, as long as each remembers to ascribe to the…

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“Dan shall judge his people as one of the tribes of Yisrael.” (49:16)

“Dan shall judge his people . . . Dan shall be a serpent in the way.” (49:16,17)

And Yosef died . . . and he was put in a coffin in Egypt.” (50:26)

Shimon and Levi are brothers… cursed be their anger for it is fierce and their fury for it is hard.”(49:5,7)

“Yosef is a charming son, charming to the eye.” (49:22)

“And Yosef said to his brothers, I am dying and Hashem will surely remember you…and you shall bring up my bones from here.” (50:24,25)

“And like fish they shall multiply in the midst of the earth.” (48:16)

Shimon and Levi are brothers… into their council let my soul not come.” (49:5-6)

“Yehudah, your brothers shall praise (elevate) you.” (49:8)

“All these” were the twelve tribes of Israel. And “this” was what their father said to them and he blessed them, each according to his blessing he blessed them.” (49:28)

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