Vayechi - ויחי : “And he lived”
Torah : Genesis 47:28–50:26
Haftarah : 1 Kings 2:1–12
Gospel : Matthew 26–28

Thought for the Week:

If one dreams of a mountain, he should rise early and say [Isaiah 52:7], “How lovely on the mountains Are the feet of him who brings good news …” If one dreams of a horn he should rise early and say [Isaiah 27:13], “It will come about also in that day that a great trumpet will be blown …” If one dreams of a donkey in a dream, he may hope for salvation, as it says [in Zechariah 9:9], “Behold, your king is coming to you; he is just and endowed with salvation, humble, and mounted on a donkey …” (Talmud, b.Berachot 56b)

Commentary:

As Jacob looked into the future to bless his sons regarding their tribal destinies, he was seeking the Messiah and the age of redemption, as he says, “For Your salvation [yeshua] I wait, O LORD” (Genesis 49:18). Though he pours out his most lavish blessing over his favored son, Joseph, he nevertheless is prophetically compelled to give the kingship to his son Judah. He declares, “The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet” (Genesis 49:10).

As Jacob continues to bless his son Judah, he prophesies, “He ties his foal to the vine, and his donkey...