Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s current health condition, brings to mind how mortal and fragile even the most courageous and boldest of men truly are.
What is life? Why were we placed in this world? What is our purpose?
Did G‑d create the world in order that we be able to purchase a nice car? Or maybe the sum total of our existence ends with our ability to buy a bigger home and enjoy some time in Tahoe.
The opening word and title of this week’s Portion is “Vayechi” meaning “And he (Jacob) lived” – rather an inappropriate name, it would seem, for a portion which speaks almost entirely about the evens surrounding Jacob’s passing?!
The answer lies in the final words of Moses to his flock, the Jewish People in the final moments prior to his passing: “You who are connected to G‑d . . . are all alive today” (Deuteronomy 4:4). I.e. True life means: Being connected to the infinite, the eternal, to G‑d Almighty.
Our portion goes to great length in describing Jacob blessing his 12 sons. When Jacob sees that his children and grandchildren are steadfast in their observance of Torah, in their commitment to remain eternally bound to their father in heaven, he (Jacob) was alive; truly alive. Hence the opening word and title. Veyechi – And he Lived.
Let us spend a moment or two of everyday and ‘live it’. Let us create an oasis in time where we transcend our finite and limited existence and begin truly living and eternal life. Let’s do a Mitzva today!
With wishes for a speedy and complete recovery to Prime Minister Sharon.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Raleigh Resnick