Dvar Torah
Our Focus
וַיְחִי יַעֲקֹב בְּאֶרֶץ מִצְרַיִם שְׁבַע עֶשְׂרֵה שָׁנָה וַיְהִי יְמֵי־יַעֲקֹב שְׁנֵי חַיָּיו שֶׁבַע שָׁנִים וְאַרְבָּעִים וּמְאַת שָׁנָה:
(בראשית מז:כח)
This week’s Parsha starts off by telling us that “Yaakov lived in the land of Egypt” (47:28). Rashi points out in wonderment that between most Parshiot there is a space, but between the Parshiot of Vayigash and Vayichei, there is no space. Rashi explains that the reason for this is that once Yaakov passed away, the eyes and hearts of the Jewish people were closed because of the suffering of the enlargement.
The question is asked by many commentaries; “The enlargement did not start until after Yosef and all of his brothers died”. Furthermore, at this point in the Parsha, Yaakov was still alive so why does Rashi tell us that their eyes and hearts were already closed?
The answer is that when Yaakov and his children moved down to Egypt they came to the nicest part of the country, they were liked by the king and overall very comfortable. Because the children of Yaakov felt at home, they did not focus on the dream of returning to Israel, therefore, Rashi is pointing out that their minds and hearts were closed because they felt like they had nothing to strive for.
The lesson we learn from this is that even though we live in comfort, we still need to remember our dream of Eretz Yisrael (Israel). Let us remember this when we stand every day and Daven facing east towards our home, to be totally rebuilt soon, Israel.
Shabbat Shalom, stay warm and have an AMAZING winter break!
Virtual Classroom Check-in!
Questions about what we are learning online!
1) How did the Jewish people justify allowing the Can’anim to stay in Israel?
2) Why was this wrong?
Kollel Quiz
#1 Who Am I?
1. I am for “all the youth”.
2. I am for your bed.
3. Some sing me.
4. I am a little fishy.
#2 Who Am I?
1. We are the blessing.
2. We are two of twelve.
3. We are swapped.
4. We had wicked offspring.
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