Bs”d
Parshas Vayechi (5772)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
In our parsha, Yaakov Avinu allocated the brachos to each and every Shevet according to their characteristics and kochos hanefesh. We must cry and pray to Hashem that He should enlighten us to fulfill the purpose of our coming to this world according to the essence of our ability and our neshama. This should be our utmost yearning.
Have a wonderful Shabbos.
Bs”d
Parshas Vayechi (5771)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
In these dark days with the midas hadin standing out and having to enter Shabbos after an erev Shabbos asara b’teves, it is even more vital to strengthen the great foundation of Klal Yisroel with shalom and ahava between us. To really care for one another and being extra sensitive about feelings and feeling concern for the difficulties of all and sincerely sharing the joys and simchas of our brethren.
Vayechi Yaakov – and Bnei Yisroel is alive.
Have a wonderful Shabbos.
Bs”d
Parshas Vayechi (5770)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
Yaakov Avinu gives a unique bracha to his progeny, the heads of the shevatim, according to their unique qualities and character traits. Every moment of our lives and existence has eternal significance. Our greatest prayer for ourselves and blessing to others is that we should harness and make use of the G-d given unique qualities given to us to achieve the ultimate purpose for which we were placed on this earth.
Have a wonderful, fulfilling Shabbos.
Bs”d
Parshas Vayechi (5769)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
49:12 Better is the white of your teeth, i.e., a smile, than milk. There is nothing greater you can do for someone than smile. The highest of priorities – relating to others in a positive way. Top priority.
What a message, what a message. Yehuda, my son, Yehuda the Jew.
Have a wonderful Shabbos.
Bs”d
Parshas Vayechi (5768)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
Many of us are under the false impression that humans are endowed by Hashem with the power to exert their power to harm others. The truth is clearly expressed at the end of our sedra when the brothers of Yosef feared his revenge. (50:19) Yosef unequivocally expresses “Hasachas Elokim anochi” as Rashi clearly explains that even if I would have wanted to harm you it would have been impossible if it had not been willed by Hashem.
How important it is for us to understand and implant this vital and critical outlook and integrate it into the practicalities of our way of life.
Have a wonderful Shabbos.
Bs”d
Parshas Vayechi (5767)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
It is truly amazing that the ‘shevet’ designated for limud hatorah was signified and represented by the donkey whose intelligence throughout the ages was a source of ridicule. Success in Torah studies is achieved by stubborn perseverance; the most outstanding attribute of this animal.
The study of Torah is of top importance for all members of Klal Yisroel which includes laymen and all sects and circles. The most vital and important ingredient for success is stubborn perseverance. Chazal tell us it has special significance and importance during this period, in preparation for the coming of Moshiach.
Have a wonderful Shabbos.
Bs”d
Parshas Vayechi (5766)
By Mordechai Dolinsky
In the framework of the simplicity of the Chumash, Yosef presents his offspring to Yaakov Avinu who was completely ignorant of their identity. The grandfather doesn’t indulge with his newly discovered grandchildren in playing checkers, monopoly or scrabble. The Vilna Gaon refused to indulge in a conversation with his visiting sister on the grounds of a lack time, with a consolation that they will be connected in the future world. Can the brain surgeon interrupt his surgery to converse with his “Aunt Tilly” concerning her new knitted outfit?
To our Avos every ‘mili’second was accounted for. We must be concerned regarding the feelings of others but at the same time keep in mind the significance and priority of the importance of time and how every moment is spent.
Have a wonderful Shabbos.
Vayechi—Making Tools to Enrich our Relationships (5760)
By Mordechai Dolinsky
Yaakov’s blessing to Yehuda has special significance. Yehuda is royalty-leadership-Torah and Moshiach. Yehuda is also so special that his name became the name of our nation. All of Klal Yisroel are “Yehudim”.
Five times there are references in the blessing that Yaakov gave to Yehuda involving wine. “He ties his he-donkey to the vine”
“To the branch (of the vine) his she-donkey’s foal”
“ He launders his garment in wine”
“ And his robe in the blood of grapes”.
“ Red-eyed from wine and white-toothed from milk”
When Noach came out of the Ark his first preoccupation was the planting of a vineyard. We must understand why this was such an important priority to Noach.
Do you ever experience the feeling of negativity towards someone and not being able to or wanting to forgive him for the cause of the friction? Then, when meeting him after having consumed some wine you are overcome with the urge to forgive and forget and let bygones be bygones. All the rational reasons for your resentment remain yet you have this feeling of warmth and perhaps compassion. You might find that you are addressing yourself: “One moment, hold on here, let’s no lose ourselves, this absolutely makes no sense, why should I forgive him. Let’s face it, it’s only a little alcohol that put me in to a good mood. It’s not rational, logical or sensible. The issue is whether to allow yourself to be swayed by harnessing the force of wine.
Right before Noach’s planting the Chumash relates: “Hashem smelled the pleasing aroma (of Noach’s sacrifice) and said in His heart I will not continue to curse again the ground because of man etc”. This is as if to say that HaShem allowed himself to be swayed by the good smell of the sacrifice.
Chazal tell us that in the time of the Dor Haflaga they revolted against HaShem yet they weren’t destroyed because of the high quality and level of the human relationships that existed between them. This was lacking in the generation of Noach that resulted in and caused the destruction of the world by the flood.
Wine is a catalystic agent that brings good feelings and good will and a person should allow it to happen. Harness the power of the wine.
Yehuda—Torah—royalty—leadership and Moshiach: Yehuda the “Yid”, received the blessing of the grapes. “U’Liven Shinayim MayChalav”—more nourishing than a glass of milk is the joy of the hearty smile.
Bs”d
Parshas Vayechi (5765)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
The name Vayechi seems most inappropriate for a parsha that relates the passing of Yaakov Avinu. Chazal tell us that tzaddikim in general even after passing away, continue to live on. In regard to Yaakov specifically we are told that he indeed continues to exist (perhaps in some other form of life).
This phenomenon has been confirmed all through the generations by the sight of our great ones after they passed on (who were seen for various circumstances) and they were reported to appear fresh and alive. This is a great support for emuna, in our generation that needs so much strength and encouragement.
We should be zocheh to witness tchiyas hamaysim bikarov.
Have a wonderful Shabbos.
Bs”d
Parshas Vaychi (5764)
By Mordechai Dolinsky
A pasuk in our parsha together with the explanation of Rashi declare clearly an important principle that many are not sure of. (50:19) Yosef said to his brothers not to fear “Ki sachas Elokim oni”—and Rashi explains that even if I wanted to harm you I have no power to do it. Many are under the false impression that a human, since he is a baal bechira has the power to harm another human and here we see clearly that this principle is incorrect.
We should merit to witness the realization of the brachos of Yaakov Avinu and the coming of Mashiach speedily. Have a wonderful Shabbos.
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