We pray every week for the leaders of the Jewish Ministry,Shabbat Shalom Newsletter Shabbat — Vayechi Resources: • Website: www.jewishadventist.org A must website. To subscribe to our newsletter. To download some resources (Hebrew Sabbath School, 714 yIj◊yÅw and other documents). To order the book “Comfort, Comfort my people…” and many other things. 14 January / 16 Tevet 2017 / 5777 • Shalom Adventure Magazine online: www.ShalomAdventure.com If you would like to read articles, watch videos, learn things about Judaism and Israel, this website is just for you. : • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WJAFC If you would like to share with people, this This issue forum on facebook is a good place for that. News P.1 Professional Urban • Photos on Google+: https://get.google.com/albumarchive/1131446298409925652 Weekly Jewish-Adventist Parasha’s comments P.2-4 Development: 91?source=pwa We have posted a lot of pictures on Internet during the last years. Don’t hesitate to Journal Haftara P.4-5 The WJAFC provides: look at them. • Adventist Mission Website: http://wjafc.globalmissioncenters.org/ This website is the of Information Apostolic Writings P.5 - Professional Urban training for Jewish new resource provided by the Office of Adventist Mission of the General Conference of the Seventh-day Stories & Traditions P.6 Adventists. Ministry Inspirational Corner P.6,7 • Russian Website: http://www.boruh.info/ This website is in Russian, many articles and the We pray every - Teaching for parasha are posted on it every week. Color Sheet for Kids P.7 theological students week for the - Help to plant new Jewish Ministry. I congregations. suggest our part- - Support for Adventist- WJAFC ners to pray from NEWS Jewish dialogue with Paris scholars and rabbis January 14 to 20 in the Jewish ministry in Ukraine, Rus- A weekly Journal of information and training published by the New Advisory in EAD for Alexander & v We are happy to announce that sia, and some theologians from Zaoksky World Jewish Adventist Friendship Center Irena Bolotnikov the Euro-Asia Division (EAD) located seminary. All together 30 people gath- Under the umbrella of the They are work- in Moscow and which includes Russia, ered in order to set up some project for General Conference —Office of Adventist Mission this ministry in the territory of the Divi- ing in the Ukraine and many other Republics of the Former Soviet Union have set up their sion. The Chairman was Alexander Vas- Journal of Information and Training — Issue 714 — 14 January 2017 / 16 Tevet 5777 United States of Jewish-Adventist committee or adviso- chinin, after clarifying the purpose of this America, Sasha ry at the end of the year 2016. The first committee within the EAD, he presented (Alexander) is meeting was held in Kiev on October, a report on the World Jewish Adven- the Director of 20. It was attended by Dimitry Zubkov, tist Congress of Paris in July 2016. The the NAD Shalom director of EAD office of Adventist Mis- leaders of the Division and Union, Pas- sion, Alexander Vaschinin, EAD Jewish tors Dimitri Zublov and Stanislav Nosov learning Center, have again emphasized the importance of which is the lead- ministry Director, Dr. Alexander Bolot- nikov, NAD Shalom Learning Center di- a friendship service to the Jewish people ing training cen- rector, Stanislav Nosov, president of the in harmony with the guidelines provided Carlos Muniz ter for this minis- Ukrainian Union, and Leonid Rutkowski by the World Jewish Adventist Friendship Center of the General Conference. Then English Edition: try and the pas- Adventist Mission leader for the Ukrai- Richard-Amram Elofer Emails: tor/Rabbi of the nian Union. In addition of these leaders Dr. Bolotnikov introduced to the audi- Russian Edition: English: [email protected] Alexandra Obrevko some pastors and church leaders involved ence his training seminars, he shared his Richard Amram Elofer Alexandra Obrevko Jewish Adventist experience in the States, spoke about the Russian: [email protected] French Edition: Congregation use of Jewish feasts to teach the plan of Sabine Baris French: [email protected] Spanish Edition: in Portland, salvation as presented in Leviticus 23 to Jael Wells Cuellar Spanish: [email protected] Oregon. Let’s Jews. The last part of the meeting was a Portuguese Edition: Portuguese: [email protected] pray for their strategic planning to implement the Jew- Carlos Muniz ish Adventist Friendship ministry in our Dutch Edition: Dutch: [email protected] important minis- Hubert Paulleta Division. The members of the commit- try. tee expressed their desire to have a new Credit photos: Richard Elofer, Alexandra Obrevko, Jael Wells Cuellar meeting as soon as possible with Richard Hubert Paulleta, Laurent Baris and Advent Digital Media Elofer, director of the General Confer- Hubert Paulleta for more information: contact us at www.jewishadventist.org Sabine Baris ence World Jewish Adventist Friendship 8 Center. Parasha Overview: Vayechi Par asha for fter 17 years in this Week When Yosef saw that his father had placed his Yaakov summons the rest Egypt, Yaakov Vayechi of his sons in order to bless senses his days right hand on Ephraim’s head, he was displeased. them as well. Yaakov’s Adrawing to a close and He tried to lift his father’s hand from Ephraim’s blessing reflects the unique summons Yosef. He has yIj◊yÅw head and place it on Manasseh’s. (Genesis 48:17) character and ability of each Yosef swear to bury him tribe, directing each one in in the Machpela Cave, the its unique mission in serv- burial place of Avraham Genesis 47:28 - 50:26 ing G-d. and Sara, Yitzchak and Yaakov passes from this Rivka. world at age 147. A tremen- family of Yaakov learned G-d’s because of what had occurred Yosef was told, ‘Behold, your before his death.” (EGW, 3T Yaakov falls ill and Yo- 17 Years in Egypt sition, many thoughts went dous procession accompa- he parasha starts say- will (called Torah by the Jewish to him. Yaakov said to Yosef, father is ill.’” (Genesis 48:1), 138). Therefore, the messenger through my mind about your sef brings to him his two nies his funeral cortege up ing: “And Yaakov people and transmitted orally please put yadecha (your hand it is interesting to notice that who came to Yosef announced loyalty to G-d, my teaching sons, Ephraim and Me- to him that his father was sick from Egypt to his resting lived in the land of through the various revelations which means “your generous the Gemara affirms that “Un- and spiritual situation. I be- nashe. Yaakov elevates saying in Hebrew Hinei (Be- Egypt seventeen years. So the received by Avraham, Yitzhak, support”) tachat yereichi (un- til Yaakov there was no illness: gan to doubt if your appear- place in the Cave of Mach- Ephraim and Menashe to T then Yaakov came and prayed, hold) which is interpreted by pela in Hebron. days of Yaakov, the years of his and Yaakov), even in the sinful der my thigh, which means ance would be the same as the Jewish scholars as, “it is a the status of his own sons, life, were 147 years.” (Genesis land of Egypt. “my family (who came from and illness came into being, when we last saw each other, After Yaakov’s passing, surprising thing” “your father thus giving Yosef a double 47:28) When the Tzemach my thigh) who will survive me as it is written, and ‘one told and I feared that your chil- the brothers are concerned is sick.” The messenger told portion that removes the Tzedek (Rabbi Menachem and live together with you in Yosef, Behold, thy father is dren had probably assimi- that Yosef will now take re- Yosef, “What is happening status of firstborn from Mendel Schneerson, the 3rd Your Hand Egypt.”) sick.’” (Bava Metzia 87a). It is lated, resembling the young venge on them. Yosef reas- confirmed by another author: to your father is not in ac- Reuven. Rebbi of Lubavitch) was a Under My Thigh Later, returning from Yaa- Egyptian boys with whom sures them, even promising aakov made a strange “The book of Genesis gives cordance to the usual laws of As Yaakov is blind from young boy, his teacher taught kov’s funeral, the brothers they associate.” However, to support them and their request to Yosef: “And quite a definite account of so- nature.” old age, Yosef leads his him this verse and explained feared that Yosef would re- Yaakov saw that the children when the time drew cial and individual life, and families. sons close to their grand- it to mean that the best years member what they had done of Yosef were not assimilated Yosef lives out the rest of in Yaakov’s life were the 17 near that Israel must die, he yet we have no record of an in- father. Yaakov kisses and Y and his suffering for more than Yosef Faithfulness to the Egyptian society but his years in Egypt, seeing called his son Yosef and said to fant’s being born blind, deaf, years he lived in Egypt. (The 20 years, which would lead he Torah states: were raised in the faith of hugs them. him, “If now I have found fa- crippled, deformed, or imbe- Ephraim’s great-grandchil- word “tov” means good and him to take revenge. Therefore, “And Yisrael said Abraham, Yitzchak and Yaa- He had not thought to vor in your sight, put your hand cile. There is not an instance dren. Before his death, Yo- has the numerical value of they sent an emissary to Yosef to Yosef: ‘I had not kov, and the Hebrew expres- see his son Yosef again, under my thigh and promise upon record of a natural death sef foretells to his brothers 17.) When he came home saying, “Your father gave this thought to see your face; sion is interpreted as Yaakov let alone Yosef’s children. to deal kindly and truly with in infancy, childhood, or early T that G-d will redeem them he asked his grandfather, the command before he died: ‘Say and, lo, G-d has let me see saying “Not only do I see Yaakov begins to bless me. Do not bury me in Egypt,” manhood. There is no account Alter Rebbe (Rabbi Schneur to Yosef, “Please forgive the also your seed.’” (48:11) your face the way I would from Egypt. them, giving precedence (Genesis 47:29). Many have of men and women dying of Zalman of Liadi), “How can transgression of your brothers In the Hebrew text, some wish it to be, but looking at He makes them swear to to Ephraim, the younger, asked the question: Why did disease. Obituary notices in we say that Yaakov’s best and their sin, because they did scholars have noticed that your children, I see in them a bring his bones out of Egypt Yaakov want Yosef to place his the book of Genesis run thus: the word oti which is in the but Yosef interrupts him years were the years he lived evil to you.’” (Genesis 50:16– replica of myself. Thus, her’ah with them at that time. hand under his thigh? One of ‘And all the days that Adam Hebrew text but not trans- and indicates that Me- in the sinful land of Egypt?” 17). Rashi asked, “When did oti Elohim (G-d caused me to Yosef passes away at the The Alter Rebbe explained: the answer is that during Yaa- lived were nine hundred and lated in English seems su- nashe is the elder. Yaakov Yaakov make this request?” appear), et zarecha (through age of 110 and is embalmed. Before Yaakov arrived in kov’s stay in Egypt, Yosef gen- thirty years: and he died.’ ‘And perfluous. Grammatically, explains that he intends The brothers could have un- your children) due to their Thus ends Sefer Bereshit, Egypt, he sent Yehudah to erously supported the entire all the days of Seth were nine instead of saying her’ah oti to bless Ephraim with his derstood it from the request similarity to my appearance. the first of the five Books of build a place for him, and family. As Yaakov was close to hundred and twelve years: and Elohim, Yaakov could have strong hand because Ye- Yaakov made of Yosef when he They, too, look like young the Torah. specially a place where to die, he began to worry about he died.’ Concerning others, said herani Elohim. Then hoshua will descend from asked him to “put your hand righteous boys.” study the will of G-d so that the future of his people and the the record states: He lived to they asked the meaning of him, and Yehoshua will under my thigh.” the children of Yaakov would relationship between Yosef and a good old age; and he died. this expression. Here is how be both the conqueror have a place to devote them- his brothers. Yaakov thought It was so rare for a son to die this was interpreted by Jew- Yaakov and of Eretz Yisrael and the selves to study the oral laws that though Yosef was a great Sickness in Genesis before the father that such an ish scholars and reported by Mashiach teacher of Torah to the received through the Patri- tsaddik (righteous), his human he end of the book occurrence was considered Rabbi Moshe Bogomilsky aakov gave a prophecy Jewish People. archs. When a believer learns feelings might prevail. Possibly, Genesis mentions for worthy of record: ‘And Haran “Yaakov told Yosef: ‘While to Yehudah about the the Bible, he comes closer to after his demise, Yosef might the first time a sick- died before his father Terah.’ learning that you were in future of his descen- Hashem. Therefore, since the not treat his brothers so nicely Tness, when it says: “After this, Haran was a father of children Egypt and had a great po- Ydants and his tribe, he said:

2 3 Yaakov called for his sons. When Apostolic Writings — Hebrews 11:21-22 they came, he said, ‘Come n Hebrew 11 we have received from G-d: “Then the are in a difficult situation, do together, and I will tell you what two connections with our L-rd said to Abram, ‘Know we still keep our faith in our will happen in the course of time. parasha. The first one is for certain that your offspring heavenly father? Do we re- : about the death of Yaakov will be sojourners in a land member the promises G-d establish his word that he Haftarah Overview Come and listen, sons of Yaakov; I and his blessings to the sons that is not theirs and will be gave us when everything was spoke concerning me: ‘If 1Kings 2: 1-12 listen to your father Israel. of Yosef: “And he said, “Swear servants there, and they will OK? It is easier to remember your heirs take heed to aakov is dying in (Genesis 49:1,2) to me;” and he swore to him. be afflicted for four hundred G-d and his promises when their way, to walk before our last parasha Then Israel bowed himself years. But I will bring judg- everything is OK, but it is me in faithfulness with all of the book of “The scepter shall not depart that “Shiloh may be a name, Egyptian first born, and the upon the head of his bed.” ment on the nation that they more difficult to remember their heart and with all Genesis.Y He gives his from Judah, Nor the ruler’s the proper name that bore by saving, all first born in Israel (Genesis 47:31), a text used to serve, and afterward they shall Him when we are in trouble. their soul, there shall not last instructions to Yosef staff from between his feet, the Messiah.” And Onkelos, belong to Hashem and must be demonstrate the great faith of come out with great posses- We always try, first, to fix -ev fail you a successor on the and other sons: [Yaakov] Until Shiloh comes, and to this proselyte who translated redeemed. However in our text Yaakov, and Hebrews 11 “By sions’.” (Genesis 15:12–14). It erything by our own power throne of Israel.’ “More- blessed Yosef, and said, him [shall be] the obedience the Torah in Aramaic, transla- of Exodus, among all unclean faith Yaakov, when dying, was very long time before Yo- and strength, and we remem- over you know also what “The G-d before whom of the peoples.” (Genesis tion which is today included in animals, only the first born of blessed each of the sons of sef that G-d gave this proph- ber G-d only when things Joab son of Zeruiah did my ancestors Abraham 49:10). This verse has been every Chumash study book, has donkey has to be redeemed. Yosef, bowing in worship over ecy about the people of Israel are really going wrong and to me, how he dealt with and Isaac walked, the interpreted in various ways introduced the Character of Rabbi Hirsch says about this the head of his staff.” (He- to Abraham, and Yosef kept out of control. That is why in the two commanders of G-d who has been my by Jews and Christians. The the Messiah in his translation, brews 11:21). This text gives a this prophecy in his heart, that the chapter 11 of Hebrews the armies of Israel, Abner link between Genesis 49:11, the משיחא shepherd all my life to Hebrew word Shevet has in “until Mashiach ( ) will donkey and the Messiah: “Proof very interesting interpretation is why when he revealed his the text gives a definition of son of Ner, and Amasa this day, the angel who fact three main meanings, come, to whom the monarchy of the accuracy of our interpre- of the text of Genesis, “Israel identity to his brethren, he said faith: “faith is the assurance of son of Jether, whom he has redeemed me from “scepter”, “rod” and “tribe”. belongs.” The scepter is clearly tation is found in Zechariah 9:9 bowed himself upon the head to them “It is not you who sent [things] hoped for, the convic- murdered, retaliating in all harm, bless the boys; This same word symbolizes given to the Messiah in Psalm “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of of his bed” as it is, this text is me… but G-d.” He was faith- tion of things not seen.” (He- time of peace for blood and in them let my name “power” and “authority” it is 45 “The scepter of your king- Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter not clear, we don’t understand ful to Abraham, and to G-d, brews 11:1) notice, “faith is that had been shed in war, be perpetuated, and the used by Balaam in his proph- dom is a scepter of uprightness; of Jerusalem! Behold, your king what he did, but reading the that is why these last words of the assurance”, an “assurance” and putting the blood of name of my ancestors war on the belt around ecy about Israel “a star shall you have loved righteousness is coming to you; righteous and Brit Hachasha, it helps to un- Yosef to the children of Israel means that we are “sure” there Abraham and Isaac; and his waist, and on the come out of Yaakov, and a and hated wickedness.” (6–7). having salvation is he, humble derstand how the Jewish peo- are seen as an act of faith, Yo- is no doubt. When we “hope”, let them grow into a scepter [Shevet] shall rise out The text of Genesis continues ple understood it 2000 years sandals on his feet. Act and mounted on a donkey, on sef assured the people of G-d we expect it will happen, but multitude on the earth.” of Israel” (Numbers 24:17). saying “Binding his foal to the ago. Yaakov was worshipping that one day they would leave we are not sure that it will therefore according to a colt, the foal of a donkey.” If (Gen. 48:15-16). These two prophecies com- vine and his donkey’s colt to G-d, a great example given Egypt for the promise land, happen, we just “hope”. your wisdom, but do not Messiah has not yet come, it is The Jewish tradi- bined help us to understand the choice vine, he has washed to his descendants: children, the land of Abraham, Isaac The Biblical “faith” is the let his gray head go down difficult to imagine the Mes- tion has made a parallel that: power and authority his garments in wine and his grand-children, and great- and Yaakov. That is why in the “assurance” that what we to Sheol in peace. Deal siah coming in the 21st century between Yaakov dying will be on Yehudah’s shoul- vesture in the blood of grapes.” grand-children. letter to Hebrews it is said that hope is not just a hope, but loyally, however, with riding a donkey, however, it is and King David dying ders to promote obedience (Genesis 49:11). The first com- The second text is about “By faith Yosef, at the end of it will happen. As surely as I the sons of Barzillai the easier to consider Yeshua enter- and giving instruction to to the Torah and to spread ment of Rabbi Hirsch on this the very last moment of the his life, made mention of the know that tomorrow morn- Gileadite, and let them be ing Yerushalayim on a donkey Solomon his son in the its knowledge among the verse 11 is “Yaakov now envi- life of Yosef, “And Yosef said exodus of the Israelites and ing the sun will rise as it rose among those who eat at Haftarah for this week: nations, “obedience of the sions Mashiach. And how does 2000 years “The disciples went to his brothers, “‘I am about gave directions concerning this morning and the morn- your table; for with such “When David’s time to peoples.” The Hebrew word he envision him? He sees the and did as Jesus had directed to die, but G-d will visit you his bones.” (Hebrews 11:22). ing before, the promises of loyalty they met me when die drew near, he charged “scepter” is connected to redeemer of mankind, the con- them. They brought the don- and bring you up out of this It is interesting to notice that the L-rd will be fulfilled I fled from your brother his son Solomon, saying: the Messiah in Psalm 110, queror of nations, riding not on key and the colt and put on land to the land that he swore in the Jewish Halacha (or Jew- in my life. We don’t say: “I Absalom. … I swore to “I am about to go the which is a messianic psalm, a horse but on a young donkey.” them their cloaks, and he sat on to Abraham, to Isaac, and to ish application of Torah) it is hope that tomorrow the sun him by the L-rd, ‘I will way of all the earth. Be “The L-rd sends forth from It is very interesting to no- them. Most of the crowd spread Yaakov.’ Then Yosef made the forbidden to Jews considering will rise,” no. We say: “I am not put you to death with strong, be courageous, Zion your mighty scepter.” tice that in the Torah, there is a their cloaks on the road, and sons of Israel swear, saying, living permanently in Egypt. sure that tomorrow morn- the sword.’ Therefore do and keep the charge (2). This authority is given special Mitzvah about donkey: others cut branches from the ‘G-d will surely visit you, and Egypt is not part of the ter- ing the sun will rise.” It is the not hold him guiltless, for of the L-rd your G-d, to Yehudah “Until Shiloh “Every firstborn of a donkey trees and spread them on the you shall carry up my bones ritory that G-d has given to same with our “hope”, we all you are a wise man; you walking in his ways and comes” the last descendant of you shall redeem with a lamb, road. And the crowds that went from here.’ So Yosef died, be- Israel. hope in the second coming will know what you ought keeping his statutes, his Yehudah who will receive the or if you will not redeem it you before him and that followed ing 110 years old. They em- Both patriarchs Yaakov of Mashiach, it is not just a to do to him, and you commandments, his ordi- scepter will be the Messiah shall break its neck.” (Exodus him were shouting, “Hosanna balmed him, and he was put and Yosef were men of faith, “hope” we have this assurance must bring his gray head nances, and his testimo- called in this text the Shiloh 13:13). The donkey is singled to the Son of David! Blessed is in a coffin in Egypt.” (Gen- that is why the letter to the that it will happen, as it is down with blood to Sheol.” nies, as it is written in the and known as the “Son of out from all the unclean animals he who comes in the name of esis 50:24–26). What a great Hebrews is given them as written. And as Maimonides Then David slept with his law of Moses, so that you David.” It is also the read- to symbolize sanctification and the L-rd! Hosanna in the high- faith Yosef had at his last hour an example. That is why put it down “I believe with ancestors, and was buried may prosper in all that in the city of David.” (1 ing of this word in the Jewish the “belonging” to the L-rd, the est!” (Matthew 21:6–9). as the of life. He remembered the they are listed among the perfect faith in the coming of the you do and wherever you Kings 2:1-10). tradition, in the tractate San- one who has been redeemed by one who fulfilled all Messianic teaching of Abraham to his great men/women of faith. Messiah, and though he tarry, I turn. Then the L-rd will hedrin the Rabbis suggest Hashem. Since the death of the prophecies. family, a teaching that Abram How do we react when we will wait daily for his coming.” 4 5 Stories and Traditions Kids Parasha Vayechi A True Scholar are not. (a story from Aish.com) The boys all glared at Yaakov, av Shlomo Zalman Auer- “Man, what a mess!” groaned but he stood his ground. “Look, yIj◊yÅw bach had one steadfast rule Yaakov Samuels, as he turned on just because those guys chose to Inspirational after delivering his daily the lights to the gym. He and his act like animals, doesn’t mean Corner lecture at Yeshiva Kol Torah in Je- Neighborhood League basketball we should also. We made a mess v R team, the Flames, had arrived for and its only right to clean it up. As Yaakov was rusalem. After he finished discuss- ing a Talmudic topic, and proceeded their evening practice at the local You guys can do what you want, about to die, his basketball court and found the but I’m sticking around and do- to the next topic, no one could ask a children gathered question about the previous one. This place more resembling the lo- ing what has to be done.” Yaakov approach would prevent confusion cal dump. The guys shook their grabbed a broom and hoped the about him to receive Inspirational among the many students in atten- heads in disbelief. Recently, the others would join him. But the his blessing, and to guys had made an arrangement guys weren’t buying, and within Corner dance. It was therefore to the amaze- listen to his last words ment of all the pupils when Rabbi with the Eagles, another team in a few moments, Yaakov was left Auerbach entertained a question their neighborhood, to share the alone in the gym, holding the of advice to them. He v from an otherwise very quiet student little-used gym, practicing on al- broom. The boy looked around. Yaakov’s sons ternating nights. But it seemed as The place was really trashed from forgave his children on a topic he had finished discussing for all their unfilial then made their twenty minutes prior. He proceeded if the Eagles had flown the coop their rowdy practice session. He to backtrack to the earlier topic and the night before, without bother- sighed as he realized that working conduct, and for their humiliating confes- ing to clean up after themselves. by himself he would probably be reexamined the entire thought pro- wicked treatment sions to their father, cess in intricate detail. All the stu- It took Yaakov and his friends there half the night. Yaakov felt dents were astounded. They had almost half an hour just to get tempted to just scrap the idea and of Yosef, which had of their wicked treat- distinctly remembered their Rebbe the place usable, with their an- take off like everybody else. Af- caused him many ger towards the other team ter all, the Eagles didn’t seem to ment of Yosef, and explaining everything clearly the first years of grief as he time. After the lecture, a few of the growing every passing minute. care, and even his own teammates entreated his forgive- older students approached the sage Eventually they got into their didn’t care -- why should he? had reflected upon to question his favoring the younger practice, and started to loosen up. “No,” he thought to himself, his supposed dreadful ness. Yaakov did not In the process, they managed to “I’ve gotta do it. It’s just not right student with his departure from an death. As he spoke suspect his sons were otherwise sacred rule. make a pretty decent mess of their to leave a mess like this for some- own. Two hours flew by, and it was one else, ever. What does the guilty of such cru- Suddenly they realized that the with his children student in question had been at the time to wrap it up for the night. way anybody else acted have to for the last time, the elty. But he saw that Yeshiva for almost a year without The guys quickly got changed, and do with it?” He dutifully started ever asking a question in the mid- started to head out. But a loud, into his work when he heard the Spirit of the L-rd G-d had overruled it dle of a discourse. Today was the piercing whistle, stopped them in door open. It was Rich. “Um, hi rested upon him, and all for good, and he first time he mustered the courage their tracks. It was Yaakov who Yaakov. I thought about what he uttered prophe- to ask. Had the Rosh Yeshiva dis- was coming out of the locker room you said, and you’re right…so I forgave and blessed pensed with the question as normal with a whistle around his neck. came back to help you out.” Yaa- cies concerning them, “Hey guys, wait up! We forgot kov smiled as the two of them Genesis 47:28 - 50:26 his erring sons. (1SP procedure would have dictated, he “Yosef is a fruitful bough, a fruitful bough by a spring; his branches run over the wall. The archers which reached far may never had asked again. Rav something.” he called out. The boys began cleaning up together. But bitterly attacked him, shot at him, and harassed him severely, yet his bow remained unmoved; his in the future. While 152) Auerbach departed from protocol looked at him and shrugged. “We they had barely gotten started arms were made agile by the hands of the Mighty One of Yaakov (from there is the Shepherd, the and fear of invoking jealousy to give did a good job tonight messing up when three more boys showed up under the spirit of in- the young student a new confidence the place.” Yaakov said. “Let’s clean to help. Soon, nearly the whole Stone of Israel), by the G-d of your father who will help you, by the Almighty who will bless you spiration, he laid open up after ourselves before we go.” team had returned and, working with blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that crouches beneath, blessings of the breasts that would help him emerge as a before them their past true scholar.” His teammates burst out in protest. together, the gym was soon spot- and of the womb. The blessings of your father are mighty beyond the blessings of my parents, up to “What?!” shouted Rich. “Clean up less! As the guys flicked off the the bounties of the everlasting hills. May they be on the head of Yosef, and on the brow of him who lives, and their future Taking Responsi- for those dumb Eagles, after the lights, and finally headed home, was set apart from his brothers. Benyamin is a ravenous wolf, in the morning devouring the prey and history, revealing the bility not Revenge mess they left for us? Forget it!” they all walked out feeling good at evening dividing the spoil.” (Genesis 49:22–27) boy tries to meet the “Yeah!” seconded Larry, “Let about themselves, glad that they purposes of G-d in challenge of doing what’s them see how it feels tomorrow had chosen taking responsibility regard to them. (1SP right, even when others to walk into a dumpster!” instead of taking revenge. A http://www.bnai-tikkun.org.nz 154) 6 7