The Power of Blessing
The Sabbath Torah Portion – Vayhi (And He Lived)
The entire portion is Genesis 47:28—50:26
The Bible Through the Seasons follows those Jewish traditions that divide the portion into thirds.
This year, we read Part 2. Genesis 49
Nick reads the one-minute introduction.
Jacob Blesses Joseph – by Harry Anderson
The nearness of Jacob’s death is the moment of blessing for his sons. It is a powerful moment of transition, a sacred “passing of the torch” to the next generation. Picture yourself at the deathbed of Jacob, listening carefully to the words he says to his sons. Such words have power for generations.
Perhaps you are not a parent; but you certainly had one! The beliefs and attitudes you have for your children, and the ones your parents have for you, are powerful moments of force in you and the lives of your children. So often, these beliefs are negative. They lack the spiritual awareness of blessing that is present in full evidence in this reading.
The words: “God bless you,” said as reflexively as a sneeze, need to become conscious. Say them this way, slowly: “God bless you!”
Saturdays are dedicated to the Sabbath Torah portions
read in synagogues throughout the world.
Daily Bible Breaths
Version for Children and Families
While we follow those Jewish traditions of dividing the Torah portion into thirds, it is important to feel the context of the whole portion. Today we complete the readings from Genesis. The concluding third part of the whole portion which will be read next year has the account of the reconciliation of Joseph with his brothers.
This week’s commentaries on the Torah portions make for personal, thoughtful reflections for. I hope you find the comments to be as helpful as I found them to be.
http://jtsa.edu/Documents/pagedocs/ConservativeJudaism/Torah%20from%20JTS%20Va-yehi%205772.pdf