Torah Talk for Parashat Vayechi
January 10, 2017 by
The book of Bereshit (Genesis) ends with the deathbed blessings of Yaakov to his sons. At least, they are traditionally referred to as blessings. However, a close look at them reveals otherwise (49:3-7): “Reuven, you are my firstborn… unstable as water, you will not excel because you went up to your father’s bed… Shimon and Levi… cursed be their anger for it was fierce… I will divide them in Yaakov and scatter them in Yisrael.”
The statements in these verses can hardly be referred to as blessings. What, then, are these words that Yaakov leaves with his sons? Read more >
