Parshat Vayechi, the last parsha in Sefer Bereshit, summarizes the family dynamics that Yaakov Avinu invested his life’s efforts to build and sets the stage for the future of Bnai Yisrael. In this parsha, we see the treasured relationship between Yaakov and Ephraim and Manasseh that developed through the reconciliation of the family and grew over time as they met daily to study Torah together. Because of their closeness, Yaakov’s legacy will be sustained through Yosef and his sons, as if Ephraim and Manasseh were themselves two of Yaakov’s sons.
We see this clearly when Yaakov becomes ill in his old age, and Yosef visits him with his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim.
Yaakov says:
ויאמר ישראל אל יוסף ראה פניך לא פללתי והנה הראה אותי אלקים גם את זרעך
“I never expected to see you again, and now G-d has shown me your children as well.” (Bereshit 48:11)
He next blesses Yosef, and then places his hands on the heads of Yosef’s two boys.
ויברכם ביום ההוא לאמור בך יברך ישראל לאמר ישימך אלקים כאפרים וכמנשה וישם את אפרים לפני מנשה
“With you, Israel will bless, saying, ‘May G-d make you like Ephraim and Manasseh.’” (Bereshit 48:20)
This blessing is not just words of encouragement, but serves as a prophecy of the destiny of Ephraim and Manasseh as leaders of their shevatim.
When grandparents live to see their grandchildren follow in their path, it is truly a blessing. It is no coincidence that Bnei Yisrael, the descendants of Yaakov, carry on his name as the close connection established during his lifetime assured that his legacy would continue. Anyone who has the privilege of having grandchildren will immediately understand the depth of this connection.
This reminds me of my son’s connection to his grandfather, my father. My son was getting ready for his upcoming Bar Mitzvah at which my father (Mordechai Ben Yaakov עייה) was to have an aliyah. Professionally my father was an electrical engineer, but he did not have the privilege of receiving a Jewish day school education. So, he did not know how to read Hebrew as fluently as his grandchildren. To help prepare my father for his aliyah, my son taught him the brachot and practiced with him so he would feel confident when he was called up to the Torah. That is a memory my family cherishes.
This experience, and the lesson of this week’s parsha, show us the specialness of the grandparent-grandchild relationship, and the power of a bracha to impart strength and connection. Just like Yaakov’s blessings had a lasting impact on the future of his descendants, the investment we make in intergenerational relationships can have a lasting impact on those around us, as well.
Shabbat Shalom!
SAVE THE DATE- March 21 – Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day!