Parashat Vayechi
| Line 3: | Line 3: | ||
==Yackov Binds Yosef by an Oath== | ==Yackov Binds Yosef by an Oath== | ||
Having reached age 147, Yackov fears he will soon pass away he called Yosef and binds him by an oath to bury him in Mearos Hamachpala in Chevron. Yosef swears by his fathers Bris Milah and then Yackov bows to his son. | Having reached age 147, Yackov fears he will soon pass away he called Yosef and binds him by an oath to bury him in Mearos Hamachpala in Chevron. Yosef swears by his fathers Bris Milah and then Yackov bows to his son. | ||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
===Burial in Chevron=== | ===Burial in Chevron=== | ||
| − | Yackov did not wish to be buried in Egypt so his tomb would not become an object of idolatrous worship and that he be spared the suffering of Gilgul Mechilos during the time of Resurrection. He was also aware that during the future Ten Plagues that would afflict Egypt, all its top soil would turn to lice and Yackov did not wish to have this occur around his body. | + | Yackov did not wish to be buried in Egypt so his tomb would not become an object of idolatrous worship and that he be spared the suffering of Gilgul Mechilos during the time of Resurrection. He was also aware that during the future Ten Plagues that would afflict Egypt, all its top soil would turn to lice and Yackov did not wish to have this occur around his body. Yackov had previously purchased the rights to the last remaining plot in Mearos Hamachpela from his brother Esav. |
| + | |||
| + | ===The Oath=== | ||
| + | Paraoh and the Egyptians had seen great blessing since Yackov arrived in Egypt, including the ending of the 'great famine' that was supposed to run for an additional five years. In a society run on meta physical forces they were very unlikely to give up a spiritual asset like Yackov's tomb. Yosef held the position of 'Second to King' giving him the power to fulfill Yackov's burial request and was therefore chosen over the other brothers. | ||
===Yackov Bows=== | ===Yackov Bows=== | ||
Revision as of 09:35, 15 December 2013
Parshas Vayechi is the 12th a final parsha in the Book of Berashis. It contains 85 pesukim and section from Melachim I regarding the passing of King Dovid is read for the Haftora.
Contents |
Yackov Binds Yosef by an Oath
Having reached age 147, Yackov fears he will soon pass away he called Yosef and binds him by an oath to bury him in Mearos Hamachpala in Chevron. Yosef swears by his fathers Bris Milah and then Yackov bows to his son.
Burial in Chevron
Yackov did not wish to be buried in Egypt so his tomb would not become an object of idolatrous worship and that he be spared the suffering of Gilgul Mechilos during the time of Resurrection. He was also aware that during the future Ten Plagues that would afflict Egypt, all its top soil would turn to lice and Yackov did not wish to have this occur around his body. Yackov had previously purchased the rights to the last remaining plot in Mearos Hamachpela from his brother Esav.
The Oath
Paraoh and the Egyptians had seen great blessing since Yackov arrived in Egypt, including the ending of the 'great famine' that was supposed to run for an additional five years. In a society run on meta physical forces they were very unlikely to give up a spiritual asset like Yackov's tomb. Yosef held the position of 'Second to King' giving him the power to fulfill Yackov's burial request and was therefore chosen over the other brothers.
Yackov Bows
Yackov bows towards the head of his bed, the resting place of the Schina which tends to hover above the head of the ill, at the same time giving honor to Yosef. Although Yosef was his son, he held a position of royalty and was therefore given honor. Both Moshe and Eliyahu deduced from this incident that it was proper to give honor to kings, despite their wickedness.
Blessing of Menashe and Ephraim
Yackov's Blessing of the Tribes
Passing of Yackov
Once Yackov passed away the servitude to the Egyptians began in a minor degree. Although there was no actual servitude at that point, Paraoh began to request that they service him.