My Kol HaNeshamah short take on the parsha: In Parshat Vayechi, Jacob gathers his sons in order to bless each of them before he dies. He also blesses his two grandchildren, (Josephs sons) with a blessing that parents continue to this day to bestow on male children May G d make you like Ephraim and Menashe. The Rabbis note a variety of explanations for this blessing: unlike other siblings in the Torah, Ephraim and Menashe were the first brothers to get along. Another reason offered is that despite living in an alien culture, they retained their Jewish identity and connection. This past week I had the privilege to be a speaker and panelist at the Limmud conference in England. Thousands of people converged on the University of Warwick to spend the week engrossed in classes and lectures on Jewish topics, whether on the future of Jewish life in Europe, prayer or baking the best bobka. What was so meaningful was that one left feeling like this was a living example of Jacobs wish- thousands of Jews gathered from all different backgrounds and beliefs--who managed to get along, maintaining harmony even in the face of differences. In addition, the commitment of so many to build on their Jewish identity and connection to Israel in a European milieu, which poses tremendous challenges, was extremely moving. It is not often that one has the opportunity to see a Biblical hope come to life. Shabbat Shalom!
Posted on: Fri, 02 Jan 2015 12:56:26 +0000
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