Vayechi                                                                                                         Debbie Taub

Why does the Torah use the word “Vayechi”,” he lived”, instead of the more usual Hebrew “Vayagar” or “Vayeshev”? It is implying that Yaakov really lived – enjoyed life – at the end of his days. Isn’t that strange, considering he was in Egypt, not Israel?  In Eichah (3:27), we learn that it is good for a man that he suffer in his youth, when he has stamina, for it is easier to enjoy his later years when he is weaker. Yaakov, who suffered travails with Esav, Lavan, Dinah, and Yosef in his youth, now is finally united with all of his children.  But what about being in Egypt? He was able to teach his children Torah, even in the immoral land of Egypt,  thereby setting an example for all of us, throughout the generations, in our own exile.

We are all familiar with the beautiful song,”Hamalach Hagoel”, whose words come from Parshat Vayechi. Yaakov prays that the Angel who redeemed him, should watch over his children. Why is the blessing “Veyedgu Larov”, that they should be like fish?  Is that the best blessing one can think of? There is an important lesson here. Fish, because they live out of sight, in the ocean, are immune to receiving an evil eye. As Jews, we should be careful to live modestly, under the radar, in order to avoid an evil eye, as well!

When Yaakov, at the end of his life, blesses his children, he begins with the word “Heasfu”, gather together. They were all there, around his deathbed, so why use this seemingly superfluous term? Yaakov was giving them a powerful message. When a Patriarch or Matriarch of a family passes away, the children sometimes disperse physically or emotionally, without their parent to unify them. He was intimating the importance of staying together.  Additionally, Rav Munk points out

 that Yaakov knew that his children were going into exile, and would face many enemies in the future. Even though they are separate tribes, each with his own identity, their most vital defense would be to “gather together” and be as one nation.  How prophetic, and what an important message to us all!

When Yaakov died, the Torah says “Vayaavru yemai bechito”, and the days of mourning passed”. When Moshe died, it says “the days of mourning ended”. What is the difference? When Moshe died, Bnei Yisroel were on the verge of entering the Promised Land, so the mourning ended in order for them to be able to rejoice in fulfilling Hashem’s promise. When Yaakov died, Bnei Israel were on the verge of entering an era of exile and slavery in Egypt. So their mourning just passed…it didn’t really end!