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Vayechi (2025)

Shabbat Vayechi

Dvar Torah — A Blessing for Generations
At the end of his life, Jacob blesses his grandsons, Joseph’s children Ephraim and Menashe. The Torah adds an unusual phrase: “On that day, he blessed them.” It’s a slightly redundant formulation which suggests added significance.

Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch explains that the Torah is accentuating a formational moment when the blessing Jewish parents would give their children for generations was coined — “May God make you like Ephraim and Menashe.”

Why do we bless our children for generations to be like Ephraim and Menashe?

We can suggest that throughout the book of Genesis, sibling relationships are marked by rivalry: Isaac and Ishmael, Jacob and Esau, Joseph and his brothers. When Jacob gives precedence to the younger son, Ephraim, over Menashe, something different happens. The brothers accept it. There is no resentment, no struggle for position.

Each child is secure in his own place within the nation. Each allows the other to receive honor without feeling diminished. That sense of true humility is what makes this moment worthy of becoming a model for generations. Jacob’s blessing is about character — the greatness to live among each other with humility and respect – truly noble traits we wish to instill for all generations to come.

Note
There is an ancient tradition for parents to bless their children on Friday nights. It’s a beautiful wholesome custom bringing the family together for an intimate moment as the week comes to a close (link to the text here)

Shabbat in/out times
Yerushalayim 16:07/17:27
Tel-Aviv 16:26/17:28
Dubai 17:23/18:19
Milan 16:33/17:42
NYC 16:22/17:26
Miami 17:24/18:20
Panama City 17:53/18:45
More Shabbat times here
Shabbat Shalom!

This Dvar Torah is dedicated to the speedy and full recovery of my sister Leora Chanah bat Shulamit Nechama




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