A Journey of Life, Growth, Unity & Blessing.

Parashat Vayechi introduces us to the final chapter of Yaakov Avinu’s life, and his blessings leave an enduring legacy. The Ba’al Shem Tov zy”a teaches that even in the constraints of exile, Yaakov connected to the Source of life (ויחי), transforming challenges into channels of vitality. It’s a reminder that even in spiritually dark situations, our role is to infuse life with Divine light.

Yaakov’s blessings illuminate this parasha. He places Ephraim before Menashe, and with remarkable acceptance and humility between the brothers, a tikkun is made for the rivalries of earlier generations throughout Sefer Bereishit.  Likutei Mohara”n (37)  teaches that this moment of המלאך הגואל אותי מכל awakens the protection of our Avot and Imahot. May it be so presently in our days, אמן!

In “Meaning and Mitzvot” class this week we learned about the custom of blessing children on Shabbat when we have expanded Neshamot and pipelines of shefa are open, and when we can transform any negativity in our relationships into love and blessing.

Yaakov then blesses each one of the tribes and all of them collectively. He acknowledges their distinct roles yet emphasizes their unity. In Midrash class this week, we saw how this unified diversity is drawn out of the pasuk “איש אשר כברכתו ברך אותם” in two ways. Midrash Tanchuma suggests that talents and blessings specific to each individual eventually result in enhancing the collective. Sports and music analogies are abundant.

In Midrash Rabbah we find an even deeper interpretation of the surprising language the Torah uses about the blessings. In short, we are all inter-included in each other. Yehuda’s powerful lion energy is growing within each of us. Naftali running free like a deer gifts us all with independent spirits. The Yissachar energy in us is dedicated and consistent in growing in Torah learning. The Yosef in all of us overcomes and thrives despite difficulties (may the captives be speedily freed in his merit, Amen!). Menashe and Efrayim in us represent the ability to be true to our Neshamot (נשמה-מנשה) withstanding exile and even becoming fruitfully vibrant. Etc. etc. 

Rebbe Natan of Nemirov/Breslov zy”a whose yahzeit/hilula is on Asara BeTevet, teaches that every time we say Shema + Barukh Shem, the 12 words connect us to the unified blessings of the tribes. Additionally, in the weekday Amida prayer, the intermediate blessings also correspond to all the Tribes.

Many Hasidic sages teach (and I believe life experience and contemporary events show this as well), that challenges precede and anticipate breakthroughs. Hatam Sofer shared that just as Asara BeTevet is the beginning of exile, each year this very day holds potential for new stages of redemption. This explains why uniquely among fast says, it can fall on Yom Shishi like this year. (According to the great Rishon Rav David AbuDarham, if it were to fall out on Shabbat, although it cannot by virtue of our calendar, we would fast on Asara Betevet like on Yom Kippur!)

The Ishbitzer Rebbe ob”m (whose Yahrzeit is this week) explains that Yaakov’s desire to reveal the End of Days was denied because faith thrives even in times of uncertainty. When we invest in children through acts of kindness, we are planting seeds of hope, often without seeing the immediate results. Yet, these seeds hold the power to transform their futures and the world. Like Yaakov, we are perpetuating blessings that ripple through generations.

All this resonates with the mission of Midreshet Torat Chesed. Caring for children, particularly in challenging circumstances, is like revealing hidden sparks in Egypt’s darkness. Just as Yaakov recognized and blessed his children’s potential, our work helping the Emuna children guides their growth, nurtures their unique qualities, and in turn, they empower us.

Your unique blessings enhance us all. By her cultivating unique connections to Torah, she deeply and essentially contributes to the growth of all of Am Yisrael. Through our acts of kindness, we generate Geulah!

May we merit to embody Yaakov’s approach—infusing our lives, our relationships, and Am Yisrael with blessings of Torah light and loving chessed.

Shabbat Shalom!