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Va-y'chi

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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?

2018 Dec 22
/14 Tevet, 5779
2020 Jan 11
/14 Tevet, 5780
2021 Dec 18
/14 Tevet, 5782

RECENT COMMENTARY

  • How the Living Serve the Dead
    By Rabbi Stephen S. Pearce, Ph.D.

    In Va-y’chi, we hear the final requests of Jacob, and then Joseph, to bring back their remains to be buried in the land God promised to their ancestors. In carrying Joseph’s bones, Moses moves draws closer to his progenitor, giving us the opportunity to reflect on our connections to our forebears. 

    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! 
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