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?

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

RECENT 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

The Four Questions

At the beginning of the Passover seder, the youngest person asks the Four Questions. Here's a handy guide to the questions in English and Hebrew, with a downloadable melody and printable version.

Passover Seder Preparation Checklist

Don't be overwhelmed by hosting your own seder. Use this handy checklist to help you prepare!

Arts & CultureFamily
Food and RecipesJewish Life Around the WorldCollege LifeJewish Camp

Jewish Life navigation feature buckets

Chicken Soup Recipe

Keep this recipe for the iconic Jewish dish handy for your next Shabbat dinner.

The Gay Synagogue I Didn't Know I Needed

A rabbi shares his personal experience of finding his spiritual home.

Lifecycle & Rituals
Prayers & BlessingsWhat is Reform Judaism?Ask Your Jewish QuestionIntro to Congregational Life

Practice navigation feature buckets

The Blessing for Affixing a Mezuzah

Learn the blessing for placing a mezuzah on the doorposts of your house.

Recommended Resources for Learning More About Judaism

If you're curious about Judaism, thinking of converting, or know someone who is, here are some excellent resources to learn more about Judaism.

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

The Eternal One spoke to Moses after the death the two sons of Aaron who died when they drew too close to the presence of the Eternal. - Leviticus 16:1

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! Register now.

Jewish Views On...
Advocacy

Social Justice navigation feature buckets

Take Action to Reunite Immigrant Families

Here are three ways to work for immigrant justice.

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

The Struggle for Women's Equality in Israel Continues

Learn why Anat Hoffman fights for women's rights in Israeli society.

Loving Israel, Even When Its Government Rejects Me

Mattan loves his homeland while disagreeing with its government.

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