Torah Portion of the Week
Building Character through the Themes of the Weekly Torah Portion
וַיְחִי יַעֲקֹב בְּאֶרֶץ מִצְרַיִם שְׁבַע עֶשְׂרֵה שָׁנָה וַיְהִי יְמֵי־יַעֲקֹב שְׁנֵי חַיָּיו שֶׁבַע שָׁנִים וְאַרְבָּעִים וּמְאַת שָׁנָה׃
Vai-chi Ya-a-kov b’e-retz Mitz-ra-yim sh’va es-reh sha-nah vai-hi y’mei–Ya-a-kov sh’nei cha-yav she-va sha-nim v’ar-ba-im um-at sha-nah.
And Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years; so the days of Jacob, the years of his life, were a hundred forty and seven years.
Genesis 47:28
Vayechi means “and he lived.” Before his passing, Jacob gathered his twelve sons together to speak a blessing over each of them—a blessing which would help them to reach greatness (see Gen. 49:1–28). He didn’t give each of them the same blessing, and these blessings were not what one might consider to be “typical.” Choosing his words very carefully, he revealed to each of them their negative and positive traits, giving them insight about how to deal with their individual lives, qualities, and abilities. This enabled them to maximize their potential and become the greatest individuals they could possibly be.
Jacob’s blessing over each of his sons teaches us a powerful lesson. Every person at every moment needs a blessing, and the power of bestowing a blessing is something that everyone has been given. The words you speak are the vehicle for the blessing. Your words are very important and carry a great deal of weight.
Difficulties and troubles can be eased by right words. If someone is in a difficult situation, how can you help them? Reset the breaker and restore the power by bestowing a blessing. When you “bless” someone, you are essentially asking the Almighty to increase their health, wealth, happiness, or whatever else they may need.
If someone is ill, bless them and comfort them by saying, “May God grant you health and healing.”
If someone is experiencing financial difficulties, say to them, “May God grant you the finances you need.”
If someone is starting a new business, smile and say, “May God grant you success.”
If someone is feeling depressed, encourage them by saying, “May God grant you comfort, joy, hope, and peace.”
With thoughtfulness and awareness, choose your words carefully. Say the words of blessing with sincerity, a loving heart, and a warm smile. For your words are what give life to anything that is around you. Your words have the ability to educate, inspire, and magnify those around you. Right words are nourishment for the soul. You have the ability to encourage others where they are unable to encourage themselves.