Learning

 

Search URJ.org and the other Reform websites:

Va-y'chi

Torah Portions

Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy
Holidays

Va-y'chi

[Jacob] Lived
Genesis
47:28–50:26

Jacob lived in the land of Egypt for 17 years; Jacob's days--the years of his life--were 147. - Genesis 47:28

Summary: 
  • Jacob blesses his grandchildren Ephraim and Manasseh. (48:1-20)
  • Jacob's twelve sons gather around his deathbed, and each receives an evaluation and a prediction of his future. (49:1-33)
  • Joseph mourns his father's death and has Jacob embalmed. Jacob is buried in Hebron in the cave of the field of the Machpelah in the land of Canaan. (50:1-14)
  • Joseph assures his concerned brothers that he has forgiven them and promises to care for them and their families. (50:15-21)
  • Just before he dies, Joseph tells his brothers that God will return them to the Land that God promised to the patriarchs. The Children of Israel promise Joseph that they will take his bones with them when they leave Egypt. (50:22-26)
Topics: 
Blessing, Death, Family, Generation, Reconciliation

When do we read Va-y'chi?

2021 Jan 2
/18 Tevet, 5781
2021 Dec 18
/14 Tevet, 5782
2023 Jan 7
/14 Tevet, 5783

RECENT COMMENTARY

  • Objects in Mirror May Be Closer Than They Appear
    By Rabbi Dan Moskovitz

    My car is a philosopher; yours is too. I am certain I am not the first person to look into my passenger side-view mirror and ponder the existential meaning of the message inscribed at the bottom of the frame, “Objects in (the) mirror may be closer than they appear.” In this week’s Torah portion, Va-y’chi, Joseph does essentially the same thing. According to midrash, he revisits the site where his brothers betrayed him and instead of bitterness found blessing.

    Continue Reading
    Download an mp3 of the Audio Commentary

Va-y'chi commentaries

  • Torah for Tots

    A guide to help adults learn how to engage young children in a discussion about this week’s Torah portion.  

  • Torah for Tweens

    Learn more about Va-y'chi, the final parashah in B'reishit in this edition of Torah for Tweens.

  • Torah for Teens

    This parasha tells of Jacob’s end. Before he goes, he blesses his grandchildren and gives each of his 12 sons, who become the 12 tribes, a prediction of his future. Joseph says he will care for his brothers and tells them that they can return to Canaan. Joseph lives until he is 110 years old; listen now to hear from him! 
Sign up for the Ten Minutes of Torah Emails
Jewish Holiday CalendarShabbatRosh HaShanahYom KippurSukkotSimchat TorahHanukkahTu BiShvat
PurimPassoverYom HaShoahYom HaZikaron & Yom HaAtzmaut Lag BaOmerShavuotTishah B'Av

Jewish Holidays navigation feature buckets

Attend Shabbat Services (and other Events) Online

Hundreds of Reform Jewish congregations offer live streaming Shabbat services, and other opportunities for connecting Jewishly.

10 Great Discussion Topics for Your Passover Seder

Somewhere during the course of your Passover seder this year, ask one of these questions and see how your fellow attendees respond. 

COVID-19: Judaism Under QuarantineArts & CultureFamily
Food and RecipesJewish Life Around the WorldCollege LifeJewish Camp

Jewish Life navigation feature buckets

Jewish Identity in an Interfaith Family

A guide for talking to your children about religious identity. 

Passover Granola

This recipe will make your Passover week! It is delicious with milk for breakfast and a healthy snack for school or work.

Torah StudyJudaism Classes
Sacred TextsPodcastsJewish Glossary
This Week's Torah Portion

The Eternal One spoke to Moses, saying: "Command Aaron and his sons thus: This is the ritual of the burnt offering: The burnt offering itself shall remain where it is burned upon the altar all night until morning, while the fire on the altar is kept going on it." - Leviticus 6:1-2

Learning navigation feature buckets

NEW! Online Judaism Classes

Want to explore Reform Judaism but have no in-person opportunities to study? This class is for you!

Jewish Views On...
Advocacy

Social Justice navigation feature buckets

5 Ways to Help Undocumented Immigrants

It's easy to feel helpless, but as Reform Jews, we know that inaction is not an option.

Speaking Truth to Power: A Jewish Value

There's a deep relationship between Judaism and social action.

Israeli History
Israel Up ClosePeace and SecurityArts & Culture

Israel navigation feature buckets

What is Reform Zionism?

Reform Zionism is a continuation of the early Zionist dream to foster a living, breathing national culture that represents the highest ideals of Jewish peoplehood. 

My (Privileged) Struggle to Find Meaning in Jewish Peoplehood

What does it mean to stand up for your people unequivocally if they physically harm you because they disagree with you so vehemently?

Search URJ.org and the other Reform websites:

WRJ Shop MRC

WRJ Shop MRC

Miriam's Chamsa
Note Cards

The artwork on this note card was created by 5768 WRJ Art Calendar artist Césan d’Ornellas Levine.

$7.50/pack

Bring it Home
WRJ Bag

Show your WRJ pride with this zippered canvas bag. Features the phrase "Well-behaved women rarely make history" and the WRJ logo.

$18 $15

Bring it Home