Shabbat Greetings
This week’s Torah portion, Vayechi (Genesis 47:28-50:26), marks the conclusion of the Book of Genesis. As Jacob lies on his deathbed, he bestows blessings upon his sons, prophecies their futures, and lays the groundwork for the tribes of Israel. This portion signifies the end of an era, bringing the story of the patriarchs and matriarchs to a close while paving the way for the future of the Jewish people. Jacob’s blessings hold deep spiritual meaning, emphasizing the continuity of the Jewish people and their enduring strength, even in the face of future challenges.
In the Mishnah (Pirkei Avot 6:6), we encounter a Talmudic Midrash that identifies ten things considered strong in the world. These ten forces—rocks, iron, fire, water, the heart, mountains, rulers, the law, the family, and the soul—represent values or powers that embody resilience and lasting influence. Three of these strong elements particularly resonate with the themes of this week’s Torah portion.
The first of these is the family. In Vayechi, Jacob’s focus is primarily on his children and their legacy. His blessings serve to solidify their future roles and ensure the continuity of the family. As the Mishnah notes, the family is a powerful force, and Jacob’s blessings are designed to ensure that his descendants endure and thrive. This highlights the foundational importance of the family in Jewish tradition as a source of strength, much like the enduring force described in the Talmud.
The second element is the heart. Jacob’s final words to his sons carry profound emotional and spiritual weight. The heart, as one of the ten strong forces, symbolizes inner resolve and emotional depth, which guide our decisions and actions. In Jacob’s case, his deep emotional connections to his children, as well as the emphasis he places on their character development, reflect the enduring strength of the heart—a force that, in its resilience and capacity for love, holds great power.
The third element is the soul. Jacob’s blessings extend beyond material wealth; they carry spiritual guidance meant to inspire the souls of his children and their descendants. His words ensure that his descendants remain spiritually connected to God. The soul, as described in the Mishnah, is an enduring force that transcends the material world, much like Jacob’s desire for his children’s spiritual legacy to endure.
This Shabbat, as we celebrate the Alan J. Malinger Rock Shabbat with our guest, Rabbi Noah Diamondstein, we will come together to conclude the first book of the Torah. Rabbi Diamondstein’s song, What is Strong? echoes the timeless message of Vayechi: “Open hands can break our fall—help others fight another day, so we can rise and say—Chazak, Chazak, v’nitchazek!” (Be strong, stay strong, and together we can strengthen one another). The strength described in the ten things—forces that are durable, transformative, and enduring—reflects the legacy Jacob establishes for his children, a legacy that will endure through the ages. Whether through the strength of family, the heart, or the soul, these principles ensure that we, too, will find resilience and pass strength from generation to generation.
SHABBAT SHALOM