We began
parshat Vayechi today and focused on the following lessons extracted from the first several
pesukim:
- Kibbud av v'eim (Honoring Parents) - The Torah says that Yaakov "lived in Egypt for 17 years," which the commentators say is significant because during each of these years, Yosef cared for Yaakov's needs. Yaakov reared Yosef at home for 17 years before Yosef's sale. This was a "trade off" to recompense Yaakov for his care and efforts.
- The significance of Israel, particularly the holy city of Hebron - Yaakov desired to be buried in Israel in ma'arat ha-machpelah (the cave of Machpelah), located in Chevron.
- Chesed shel emet (Unmitigated kindness) - this refers to any act of kindness that is undertaken without regard to reward. Tending to the needs of the deceased, tzedakah and returning lost objects were some of the examples we mentioned in class. Yosef pledged to tend to Yaakov's burial needs and ensure his burial in Chevron.
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