Posted on 01/06/25
Parashat Vayechi: Know Yourself
What is the greatest blessing you can receive? To truly know who you are. In this week's Torah portion, our Yaakov Avinu bids farewell to his children and blesses them. However, some of them hear not blessings but rebukes, words of criticism.
Rabbi Shlomo Wolbe explains why the Book of Bereishit, which begins with the creation of the world, ends with delving into the depths of our souls:
"The most profound work that a person is called upon to do during his lifetime is to perfect his character traits, the root of his soul. A person can live his entire life without truly knowing himself. The greatest blessing is to achieve an understanding of one’s virtues and faults. Yaakov revealed to each of his children their particular traits. When someone is told which middah he must be wary of—this information can place him on the correct path for his entire life. Only through awareness of his faults, can a person hope to correct them."
The greatest blessing, therefore, is first and foremost to know your own soul. In this week’s portion, when each of Yaakov’s twelve sons received their individual missions, we too can ask: What are our virtues? What are our faults? What is our mission in the world?
A Blessing for Our Children
What is the greatest blessing we can bestow on our children? We would obviously wish that they be granted an easy and comfortable life. And if we could, we would try and cushion their whole life and shield them from any difficulties. Yet, we all have to face trials and challenges during our lives. Precisely for that reason, Yaakov formulates the special text of his blessings that has become such a common phrase for Jews throughout the generations. Yaakov places his hands on Yosef’s sons Efraim and Menashe and blesses them. The opening words of his blessing, “May God make you like Efraim and like Menashe,” are said by many Jewish parents on Friday night before making Kiddush.
Why were these two grandchildren chosen among all of Yaakov’s children who had grown up in his household to become the model and symbol to be emulated? As we know from Jewish history, from the time of Yaakov to our current situation there have been many periods of exile and unceasing struggles against foreign cultures, some still ongoing. Growing up in Egypt, in a culture diametrically opposed to their own, Efraim and Menashe still managed to hold on to their independent culture. The sons of the viceroy, who grew up in the Egyptian palace, remained Yaakov’s grandchildren. Yaakov blesses all his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all future generations that we should pass the test as successfully as Efraim and Menashe in every age and in every place: in Egypt, New York, London, Russia, and Israel.
A Message from Kibbutz Be’eri
The following words were said by Avida Bachar at the memorial service for his friend, Yossi Sharabi, at the shul in Kibbutz Be’eri. Avida, a farmer on the kibbutz, lost his wife and son on Simchat Torah:
“If there is one thing that I want to tell you, it’s this: Never say ‘tomorrow.’ We came into this world for probably 80 years and that’s it. Therefore, never say ‘tomorrow’ or ‘later on.’
“When I would be in my office and Carmel, my son, who was taken from me at the age of 15, would call me at four in the afternoon and say, ‘Abba, come to the pool,’ I’d say, ‘Carmel, I just have four more meetings,’ and then I’d come home at eight at night. When it comes to those who are dear to you, never say ‘tomorrow.’
“By the way, when it comes to work, you should always say ‘tomorrow’! Put off everything until tomorrow. If there are people in the office, tell them: ‘Thanks but please excuse me, I have to go.’ I told my secretary: ‘Listen, every meeting after four o’clock is unnecessary. Postpone it, reschedule it; close the office and go home.’
“Go home, have fun and make memories because, at the end of the day, that’s what remains.
“I am telling you, there is no reason to cry over those who are no longer here. I do not cry over Danna, and not over Carmel. You cry only over yourself, over what you missed. Because those who are not here – they are in another, better world.
“Friends, let’s get back to a simple, wonderful life.”
Enjoy the Process
Shimshon Jacob, a 33-year-old teacher from Beit Shemesh and father of three, won this year’s International Adult Bible Quiz. In his reflections, he shares profound insights from his six-year journey that led to his winning the competition.
"It’s been six years that every morning and evening, I've pursued my commitment to study of Tanach—completing cycles and immediately starting anew. This sweet learning program has become a part of my daily life, filling and revitalizing me, providing meaning and a productive use of my time. It's astonishing how lists and details I never thought memorable are now ingrained in my memory.
“Throughout these years, I maintained by study program everywhere—on Shabbat, during school breaks, holidays, and ordinary days—always taking my Tanach with me. This experience has taught me the importance of the journey itself, emphasizing effort and investment over mere outcomes. Victory is gratifying, but the true reward is enjoying the process, particularly in Torah study.
“My favorite study spot has been a park bench, surrounded by nature's beauty, where I've spent countless hours learning from sunrise to sunset, sometimes by lamplight. Whether it's in a car during Covid lockdowns or on mountain tops near Beit Shemesh, I've balanced ambition with my personal limits, always setting daily and monthly goals. The intense preparation for the Bible Quiz unveiled my untapped potential, transforming the rigorous period into one of immense personal growth and pleasure. As I look back, these moments of intense study were the sweetest, filling every breath with learning. Now, as I write in the early morning hours, reflecting on my journey instead of plunging into new challenges, I realize how much I'll miss this period—indeed, I already do."
Shimshon Jacob, Bible Quiz winner
Avida Bachar