The first part of Yaakov’s Bracha to Yoseif’s children.

47-29. Chesed Shel Emes.VAYECHI 2005 – KINDNESS AND TRUTHPosted on November 2, 2017December 27, 2020 by Rabbi PaltielWhat is meant by “Chesed shel emes” in the context of Yosef’s promise to bury his father Yaakov in Eretz Yisroel? Is kindness driven by altruism or something else? Sources include: Rashi, Baal HaTurim, Shaloh, Rambam, Chizkuni, Abarbanel, Zohar with Likutei…

First Possuk in the ParshaVAYECHI 2006 – 17 GOOD YEARSPosted on November 2, 2017December 27, 2020 by Rabbi PaltielAn excellent entry in our continuing series on the first pasuk of the Parsha – this week on “Vayechi”. Rabbi Paltiel addresses the question of why the last 17 years of Yaakov’s life are separated from his total of 147….

Vayechi. Golus starts, but Yaakov is above it. Breishis ends with the deaths of Yaakov and Yoseif and the Yidden are left with their words of encouragement.

VAYIGASH 2005 – COLLECTING SPARKSWhy does the Torah record Yosef’s gathering of wealth in detail? Sources include: Classic commentaries as well as a maamar from the Alter Rebbe (from the Torah Ohr), a maamar from the Mittler Rebbe (from Toras Chaim on Vayechi – “Ben Poras Yosef”).

Yosef couldn’t keep the facade (secret) going anymore… Yosef cannot continue the play with his brothers and he orders everybody out so he can reveal himself to them. What is the reason for this loss of ability to hide, what had changed? Why do all the people have to leave? and why is it repeated…

VAYIGASH 2006 – YEHUDA AND YOSEF CLASSESA discussion of the word “vayigash” in our continuing series on the first line of each parsha. Sources include: Reb. Bechaye, Kli Yakar, Ohr HaChayim, Abarbanel, Alshich, Etz Hadaas Tov, and Chassidus.