Community Torah Corner, Jan. 10, 2025

With this week’s Torah reading of Parshat Vayechi we come to the conclusion of not only Jacob’s life, but also the conclusion of the Book of Bereshit.  A theme that pervades throughout this parsha is that of berachot, bestowing blessings onto the next generation.

 

Jacob gathers his sons together in order to give them each a blessing before he dies.  His intention is to implore them to remain on a proper path in life, that each of his sons has a unique mission to fulfill.  Jacob says, “Gather yourselves and listen … to your father.”  The 16th century Italian commentator Ovadiya Sforno writes that Jacob is asking his sons to accept the path he has spent his life teaching them.  While Sforno does not say so specifically, the path that Jacob, the man of Torah, the man of Truth, has taught his children is a path of Torah.

 

As parents and teachers, Jacob is an example for us.  He is concerned about what kind of people his children will be.  We, too, think about our own children, our students, in the same way.  What kind of adults do we want them to become?  What kind of values do we want them to have?  King Solomon, the wisest of all men wrote in Sefer Mishlei (Proverbs), “Educate a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”

What will make our kids good people?  What will make them wise?  What will help them to understand that tolerance and respect are prized values over prejudice, hatred and apathy? I believe our greatest asset in this is Jewish tradition, for it is our Mesorah that will ultimately ground our children, give them a direction and expose them to the wonders of God. 

 

In Pirkei Avot, Shimon HaTzaddik teaches that the world stands on “three pillars”: Torah, Prayer and Acts of Kindness.  These three “pillars” are intertwined, each complimenting the other.  Study without observance is of no consequence.  Mitzvot, acts of kindness and service without continued study are without inspiration.  A life without prayer is removed from the sense of Divinity.

 

Like Jacob, I have devoted 35 years of my life following my namesake’s example, teaching Torah to my own children and the myriad of students with whom I have had the privilege to share this precious spiritual heritage of ours.  I pray for God’s blessing that I am worthy of more years to come. 

 

Chazak, Chazak v’Nitchazaik!

 

Good Shabbos to all.