Weekly Torah portion
Parascha Vayechi ויחי
Genesis (Bereschit) · Genesis 47:28-50:26
„And he lived"
Summary
Jacob spends his final seventeen years in Egypt. Sensing his end is near, he asks Joseph to swear that he will bury him in the Land of Israel, specifically in the Cave of Machpelah alongside his forefathers.
Before his passing, Jacob blesses Joseph's sons, Ephraim and Menashe, intentionally placing his right hand on the younger son, Ephraim. He then gathers all twelve sons to deliver individual prophetic blessings regarding their future tribal roles.
After Jacob's death and a grand funeral procession to Canaan, the brothers fear Joseph's revenge. Joseph reassures them that their journey to Egypt was part of a divine plan to save lives, ending the book of Genesis with Joseph's own passing.
People
Jacob (Yaakov)
The third patriarch who gathers his children to offer his final blessings before passing away at age 147.
Joseph (Yosef)
The Viceroy of Egypt who promises his father a sacred burial in the land of Canaan.
Ephraim
The younger son of Joseph who receives the primary blessing from his grandfather Jacob.
Menashe
The firstborn son of Joseph who is blessed by Jacob to become a great nation.
Judah (Yehudah)
The son who receives a blessing of leadership and royalty, likened to a lion.
Key commandments (mitzvot)
Traditionally no commandments are counted in this portion.
Full text
Quiz & badge
Answer every question correctly to earn the badge.
1. Where did Jacob insist on being buried?
2. Which son of Joseph received the blessing of the right hand from Jacob?
3. How did Joseph respond when his brothers feared he would take revenge after their father died?
4. Which animal is Judah compared to in Jacob's blessing?