Parashat HaShavua - Vayechi

This week we read the last parsha (portion) in the book of Bereshit (Genesis). This book is rich in complicated family dynamics. Most recently, we read the detailed narrative of Joseph: his relationship with his brothers, his ascension to power in Egypt, and his reconciliation with his father and brothers. This Shabbat, we learn of a concern shared by Jacob and Joseph. 

At the beginning of the Torah reading, Jacob appeals to Joseph:

אִם־נָ֨א מָצָ֤אתִי חֵן֙ בְּעֵינֶ֔יךָ שִֽׂים־נָ֥א יָדְךָ֖ תַּ֣חַת יְרֵכִ֑י וְעָשִׂ֤יתָ עִמָּדִי֙ חֶ֣סֶד וֶאֱמֶ֔ת אַל־נָ֥א תִקְבְּרֵ֖נִי בְּמִצְרָֽיִם׃

If I have found favor in your eyes, place your hand under my thigh, and do for me an act of hesed (kindness) and truth: please do not bury me in Egypt.

And at the end of the Torah reading, Joseph urges his brothers to take an oath and agree to his request: 

 פָּקֹ֨ד יִפְקֹ֤ד אֱלֹהִים֙ אֶתְכֶ֔ם וְהַעֲלִתֶ֥ם אֶת־עַצְמֹתַ֖י מִזֶּֽה׃

When God has taken notice of you, you shall carry up my bones from here.

Some clear similarities between these verses: neither Jacob nor Joseph want to be buried in Egypt. Even Joseph, who has lived for many years in Egypt, does not consider it home. Similarly, both Jacob and Joseph feel a spiritual and familial relationship with the land of their ancestors. Joseph explicitly reminds his brothers of the covenant and of God’s promise to eventually take them out of Egypt. 

Two main differences call my attention. The first is the difference in language. Jacob appeals to his relationship with Joseph when he uses the words “If I have found favor in your eyes.” Joseph on the other hand, is afraid that his brothers may not feel a familial responsibility towards him. He therefore presents his request as a command and asks his brothers to respond with an oath. The second difference is that while both men are expecting the same action (burial in Canaan), only Jacob uses the words חֶסֶד וֶאֱמֶת - an act of Hesed (kindness) and Emet (truth). 

Instead of Hesed and Emet, Rashi understands this term as חסד של אמת - Hesed that is Truth - or a moment of true Hesed. In other words, Jacob is asking Joseph for the ultimate act of kindness - one that cannot be reciprocated. However, the similarity to Joseph’s instruction to his brothers teaches us that this is not a kindness we perform out of the goodness of our hearts nor because the deceased is someone of whom we were particularly fond. Rather, this kindness is performed because of a sense of responsibility to a covenant and an understanding of commandedness. Acts of Hesed (kindness) are not optional nor are they performed out of individual choice. 

This year, our school theme is עולם חסד יבנה - we (re)build our world through Hesed (kindness). Jacob and Joseph’s fears, and consequently their request to be buried back home, urges us to understand our theme as an expectation and obligation that emerges from a deep sense of commitment, responsibility and love. 

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Dahlia
High School Associate Head