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What is your ethical will? - Parshat Vayechi

14/12/2021 09:09:24 AM

Dec14

Dear Congregational Family,

In the final Torah portion of Sefer Bereishit, Jacobs offers blessings to his children and grandchildren. His words are more than polite blessings. Rather, some understand his words as an ethical will to each of his descendants. Each one receives direct words which are relevant to his or her personality and demeanor. Each understands what Jacob hopes toward the ultimate purpose of his or her life. 

In the Middle Ages unto nowadays, there is a practice of composing an ethical will. The parent writes what he or she hopes for, expects, and demands in the lives of those who will follow. This tradition originates with Jacob's aspirations for his children and grandchildren. What will be your ethical will to your children? grandchildren?

While the text of the Parsha contains what Jacob has to say, a legend, based on a close reading of particular words, suggests what the children said  to their father at his death bed:

"Shma Yisrael, listen dad-Israel, Adonai Eloheynu Adonai Echad,  the Lord is (also) our God, the Lord who is one," to which Jacob replied in a whisper, "Baruch Shem Kevod Malchuto L'Olam Va'ed - Blessed be the name of God's glorious sovereignty forever and ever."

May the next generation be able to offer words of faith and affirmation to the generation which has nurtured and inspired us.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Howard Morrison

Fri, 29 March 2024 19 Adar II 5784