Tag: Parashat Vayechi

Torah portion Vayechi (“he lived”) covers Genesis 47:28–50:26.

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Discussions Torah

Genesis 49:22–26: Yosef teaches us how to be ambassadors for Christ

A section of the Zig-Zag path above Llyn Peris
This path is part of Llwybr Main (=narrow path) which links Dinorwig and Llanberis, Gwynedd in Northern Wales, UK. (Photo by Eric Jones via Creative Commons License)

How do we become righteous? Yosef’s life story shows the way. He walked in the path of righteousness, he did not “do in Rome as the Romans do” and refused to hold grudges against or plot revenge against those who persecuted and defamed him. What we can learn from the Torah reading ויחי Vayechi (“he lived,” Gen. 47:28–50:26) is this was the Messianic template that Yeshua walked too.

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Discussions Torah

Embalming, Mourning, and Forgiving: The Story of Yosef’s Final Act of Grace

"An ancient Egyptian scene depicting the mummification of Jacob, overseen by his son Joseph. The room is adorned with Egyptian artwork and hieroglyphs on the walls. Joseph stands nearby in Egyptian attire, watching solemnly as Egyptian priests prepare Jacob’s body, lying respectfully on a stone table. The priests hold jars of oils, spices, and linens, used for embalming. The lighting is warm, creating a reverent atmosphere that honors both Egyptian customs and the Hebrew tradition."

After the death of Yisra’el, fka Ya’akob (Jacob), 10 of his dozen sons approached Yosef (Joseph) with a message from their father: Don’t seek revenge for selling him as a slave. Yosef lived out the “second greatest commandment” in his response, showing he trusted God’s plan that had violently separated him from his family and landed him in prison for a few years.