Art by Yitzchok Schmukler
A WEEKLY TORAH THOUGHT FROM RABBI MORDY
This week’s Parsha – Vayechi – concludes the Book of Genesis. Upon its conclusion, the synagogue traditionally calls out in unison, “Chazak chazak venischazek!” This translates to mean, “Be strong, be strong and may we be strengthened,” thus giving us a little inspiration and charge to move on into the next book, and to venture on in our own individual and collective journeys. Typically, the final words leading up to this charge should provide such inspiration, so let us look at those words in this Parsha. Jacob blessed his children and passed away; the Torah tells how the Jews began to settle in Egypt. Joseph instructs them to please bury him, when the time comes, in the Holy Land. Then, to conclude, Joseph passes away and is entombed (temporarily, as per his instructions) in Egypt.
Seriously? That’s it? What’s the message of ”…he was placed in a coffin in Egypt?” If this were a cliffhanger for us to immediately binge-watch season 2, then I get it. But is this somehow supposed to leave us on a high note?!
No, not really. The Torah is telling us something deeper. You see, Joseph instructed his family to bury him in the Holy Land upon their return. They were about to begin a very difficult period of slavery, infanticide and just an overall “dark time.” And yet, Joseph tells them with his dying wishes, “you should bury me in the Holy Land.” These words assure Joseph’s sons of their ultimate return to the land of Israel; the pendulum will swing back again, the promise will be fulfilled.
But it would be a while, and Joseph’s sons and their sons would have a horrific time in Egypt. And for that, Joseph needed to be placed right there with them, together with their pain and as a reminder of the promise.
So then what is the empowerment that allows us to “be strong” throughout all these generations? It is the knowledge that we have leaders who truly have skin in the game. Joseph isn’t just promising them something and then heading to the “celestial heights;” he is remaining there with them in Egypt, albeit in a coffin, until they are freed. We, too, pray at the gravesites of holy people, trusting in their strength to advocate for us in this world. But there’s another message of empowerment: We can also emulate Yosef in our daily lives by truly being there with someone who is experiencing travails, someone who is living through a modern-day “Egypt.” Sure we can send our thoughts and prayers (I don’t mean to downplay those!), but now more than ever, people need care that translates into action. A listening ear, a homemade soup, or even a smile all go a long way in times that can feel very dark for a person. Let’s really try to put ourselves in another person’s shoes. What would we want if the tables were turned? And through this lesson, may we all be strengthened and empowered to continue on our journey…we’re almost home! Good Shabbos!