Parshas Vayechi (5762)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
After years of separation and heartache our parsha relates the final coming together of Yaakov Ovinu and his beloved Yosef. In the framework of the basic text it is shocking to see the limited contact they indulged in and enjoyed after Yaakov settled in Mitzrayim.
What an awesome lesson!! Two giants with their purpose and priorities preserved and observed. Yaakov—the pillar of Torah, and Yosef—his top prodigy—both intensively committed to their own specific avodas HaShem; not allowing the emotions of the lapse of time that eradicated their personal contact to indulge in purposeless social contact.
Chazal tell us how vital and imperative our preoccupation with Torah is in this period of time. Let’s be inspired from the example and the lesson of our Parsha.
Have wonderful Shabbos.