A Shabbat Nugget: Parashat Vayechi

A Shabbat Nugget: Parashat Vayechi

In this week’s Torah portion we read about Joseph being told that Jacob is ill.  So, Joseph then takes his two sons Menashe and Efrayim with him to Jacob to receive a blessing from him before his passing.

The Torah continues to tell us how Jacob kissed and hugged Menashe and Efrayim and he said these most inspirational words to Joseph, “I never even hoped to see your face, but, now G-d has even let me see your children.”

Rabbi Samson Refael Hirsch teaches that the word the Torah uses for hope, “Filalti” is the root of the word that we use for prayer, Tefillah.  Tefillah means prayer and also comes from the word for connection.  However, perhaps the Sages chose this word for prayer to teach us that when a person makes prayer a part of his life, he will receive blessings beyond his wildest imagination.

Shabbat Shalom!

About Rabbi Pesach Scheiner

Rabbi Pesach Scheiner is the Rabbi of Boulder County Center for Judaism. In addition, he teaches extensively throughout Boulder County and is the author of "Finding the Joy in Everyday Living," a book of short chapters explaining the ways to access happiness through appreciation, gratitude, and a sense of purpose.

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