Parshas Vayechi really is about Ya’akov’s passing, yet it is called Vayechi- that Ya’akov lived his best years there! The idea is that life is eternity and that is only in and with God, and only when Ya’akov showed his true connectedness was he truly alive and it happened as he passed in Egypt and…

Vayechi The Tribes (54) Likutei Sichos – Vol 10 p 160 ff Yaakov’s best years were in Egypt not because of what was going on with him, but what was going on with his children, who were susceptible to the realities of Golus. Their learning Torah made Yaakov’s stay in Egypt the best moments of…

VaYechi The Tribes (59) Likutei Sichos – Vol 03 p 831 ff This class explains the unique place of Yosef in Galus: he is both a part of it (not like Yaakov) but altogether above it (not like his brothers). As a result he can initiate it and he can predict it’s end.

Vayigash The Tribes (49) Likutei Sichos – Vol 30 p 229 ff Ya’akov is happy to go to Egypt yet apprehensive. How can this be reconciled. The Rebbe reveals that not only are these two feelings not incompatible they are actually mutually interdependent.

Vayigash The Tribes (48) Likutei Sichos – Vol 30 p 222 ff רב עוד יוסף בני חי Upon discovering that his son is alive not only in body but in spirit as well, Ya’akov celebrates what his son Yosef has become exceeding all expectation.

Vayigash The Tribes (51) Likutei Sichos – Vol 25 p 252 ff The Jewish nation in Galus is called Yosef, as Yosef is the source of the strength to survive and thrive in Golus, as he did so better than anyone.

Jewish people settle in Egypt and take possession of (what is theirs) but it is Egypt. Eventually Egypt will take hold of them. Ultimately however the land’s taking hold of them will result in them leaving Egypt with all Egypt’s wealth!

Yosef asks his brothers, “Is my father still alive?”, though he knows the answer. He says it to underscore the fact that Yaakov had suffered indescribably and should not be kept in suffering for one extra moment. In these words Yaakov’s Galus is being transformed to redemption.

Vayigash The Tribes (50) Likutei Sichos – Vol 03 p 827 ff / Vol 01 p 95 ff Yosef is very great, but Yaakov sends Yehuda to make a Yeshiva where the students have no other occupation aside from learning Torah. Toraso Umnaso is very unique and it has can and must exist among Jews…

Vayigash The Tribes (46) ולא יכול יוסף תער”ג This Ma’amar discusses the mystical significance of Yosef’s revealing himself to his brothers. In Golus when light shines it is higher than ‘אדם’.