The Twelfth and final section of the Chumash of Genesis, chronicles the last period of the life of Jacob and the succession of his son Joseph. Jacob lived (Hebrew for Vayechi..) the last 17 years of his life in Egypt.

When Jacob sensed that he was about to die, he sent for Joseph. Jacob instructed Joseph not to bury him in Egypt, fearing that the Egyptians might turn his grave into an object of worship since it was his blessing that ended the famine after two years. Instead, he wished to be buried in the family tomb in Hebron.

(Jacob said to Joseph), “I dared not even hope to see your face, yet now G-d has even shown me your children.” (48:11)

Jacob intimated why he considered Efrayim and Menashe as his own sons by referring to them as “your two sons who were born to you in Egypt before I came to you.” Even though Efrayim and Menasseh were born and raised in Egypt before Jacob’s arrival, they grew up true to their grandfather’s ideals. Therefore, Jacob considered them as loyal to him and his ideals as his own children.

We continue to pray for the release of our hostages held by Hamas, the safety of our IDF soldiers and the return to their home of our displaced families in Israel.

Wishing you a meaningful Shabbat and successful week to follow.