Vayechi – Page 13 – Peninim on the Torah

“And he blessed them on that day saying, ‘with you Yisrael (Jewry) will bless (their children) saying: Hashem should make you like Efraim and Menashe.'” (48:20)

This blessing has become the standard for blessing children throughout history. Yaakov’s words express the hope that every Jewish child will follow in the path of Yosef’s two sons. What traits did Efraim and Menashe exemplify that distinguished them from any of the other shevatim? Horav Meir Bergman, Shlita, makes a profound observation. The “way of the world” is that each ensuing generation digresses a bit more spiritually. As we become increasingly distant from the source of spirituality, we lose sight of our spiritual roots. Our ambitions no longer translate into lofty goals. We become complacent and settle for achievements…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5755, Vayechi

“Yehudah, you, shall your brethren praise, your hand (shall be) on the neck of your enemies; your father’s sons will bow down before you.” (49:8)

The name “Yehudi,” which is a term applied to all Jews, is taken from the name Yehudah. The qualities which gave Yehudah pre-eminence should be found within the Jewish nation. This is an inherent component of their national personality, fulfilling their mandate as “Yehudim.” What does the name Yehudah signify? Horav Mordechai Ilan z.l., suggests that Yehudah implies two perspectives. The essence of Yehudah is malchus, sovereignty and kingship. Every Jew’s demeanor should carry an air of malchus. This is consistent with Chazal’s statement in the Talmud, Shabbos 111a, “All Jews are the sons of kings.” A certain refinement within…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5755, Vayechi

“Zevulun shall dwell at the shore of the sea, and he (shall be) a shore for ships.” (49:13)

Rashi explains that Zevulun’s descendants would always be found in the region of the ports to which ships would bring their wares. Zevulun engaged in commerce and provided sustenance for the tribe of Yissachar, while Yissachar engaged in Torah study. This is consistent with the pasuk in Devarim 33:18 in which Moshe bids his farewell to Klal Yisrael saying, “Rejoice Zevulun in your going out (to commerce) and Yissachar in your tents.” Indeed, the relationship between Yissachar and Zevulun was truly a remarkable one. This may be understood from the fact that the Torah places Zevulun before Yissachar, since Zevulun…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5755, Vayechi

“And this is what their father said to them when he blessed them. He gave each one his own special blessing.” (49:28)

From this pasuk Horav David Feinstein, Shlita, infers that all of Yaakov Avinu’s enjoinments to his sons were actually blessings. In other words, when rebuke is internalized, it can be transformed into a blessing. Indeed, didn’t Reuven and Levi correct their ways as a result of Yaakov’s admonishment? Likewise, when Zevulun was told that his descendants would be marine merchants, travelling the dangerous high seas, he accepted his fated vocation without fear. Their piety increased, since they were now acutely aware of their total dependence on Hashem’s mercy and beneficence for sustenance. We learn an appropriate approach to life’s occurrences…

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Sruly Schnair In 5754, Vayechi

“And Yisrael stretched out his right hand and placed (it) upon Efraim’s head . . . and his left (hand he placed) on Menashe’s head . . . and he (Yosef) held up his father’s hand to remove it.” (48:14,17)

Why did Yaakov not change Menashe and Efraim’s position, thereby avoiding the necessity of criss-crossing his hands over them? The commentators cite various responses to this question. Horav Chaim M’Volozhin z.t.l. offers a profound insight into Yaakov’s behavior. The nature of a person is to minimize his friend’s virtues, while simultaneously exaggerating his failings. This represents an unconscious attempt to allay one’s own insecurities. One foolishly thinks that he improves himself by denigrating others. This characteristic becomes manifest when two people stand facing each other. The right hand of one is across from his friend’s left hand and vice versa. …

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Sruly Schnair In 5754, Vayechi

“By you shall Yisrael bless, saying: Hashem shall make you as Efraim and Menashe.” (48:20)

Rashi interprets the pasuk above to mean that whoever blesses his sons will bless them with their (Efraim and Menashe’s) blessing. Indeed, the standard blessing of father to son is, “Hashem shall make you as Efraim and as Menashe.” What was unique about these two brothers that so endeared them to Yaakov? Why do they, from amongst all the tribes, stand conspicuous as the paradigm for blessing? Horav Eliezer Sorotzkin, Shlita, suggests the following reason. Although the shevatim, tribes, were unique in their yiraas shomayim, fear of Heaven, they were regrettably hampered by strife and discord. The brothers’ jealousy of…

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Sruly Schnair In 5754, Vayechi

“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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“And he blessed them on that day saying, ‘with you Yisrael (Jewry) will bless (their children) saying: Hashem should make you like Efraim and Menashe.'” (48:20)

“Yehudah, you, shall your brethren praise, your hand (shall be) on the neck of your enemies; your father’s sons will bow down before you.” (49:8)

“Zevulun shall dwell at the shore of the sea, and he (shall be) a shore for ships.” (49:13)

“And this is what their father said to them when he blessed them. He gave each one his own special blessing.” (49:28)

“And Yisrael stretched out his right hand and placed (it) upon Efraim’s head . . . and his left (hand he placed) on Menashe’s head . . . and he (Yosef) held up his father’s hand to remove it.” (48:14,17)

“By you shall Yisrael bless, saying: Hashem shall make you as Efraim and Menashe.” (48:20)

“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)

YEARS

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