WRJ Voices: Va-y'chi

Parashat Va-y’chi, the last parashah in Genesis, marks the end of the stories of the patriarchs and matriarchs and foreshadows the Exodus narrative of slavery and freedom. In this portion, Jacob, the last of the patriarchs, nears the end of his life and concerns himself with his legacy and the continuity of his family. Prior to his death, Jacob adopts Joseph’s sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, and he bestows a deathbed blessing to his twelve sons: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Zebulun, Issachar, Dan, Gad, Asher, Naphtali, Joseph, and Benjamin. Ten of his sons, together with Ephraim and Manasseh, will go on to become the twelve tribes of Israel. Jacob’s focus on the future extends to the land, as seen in his instruction that he be buried with his ancestors in the cave of Machpelah in Canaan, rather than in Egypt, where he and his family have been living for seventeen years. Jacob’s blessing of his sons and instructions for his burial in Canaan suggest a future in which the family will be united in the Promised Land.

Jacob prepares for death ensuring legacy through blessing by reiterating God’s promises to Abraham of progeny and land (Genesis 12:1–3, 12:7, 15:18), and he incorporates these promises into the blessings he bestows on his sons. These blessings remind Jacob’s sons of their connection to their ancestors and their roles in the family’s future. Jacob’s blessings recall the family’s unique relationship with God and its responsibility in carrying out God’s promises to Abraham. As the family looks toward an uncertain future in Egypt, Jacob’s blessings emphasize the importance of family continuity in making God’s promises a reality.

In looking at some of the words and themes in this parashat, what I am seeing is that Jacob is preparing for his last journey, his death. Just as Jacob is making preparations for his latest journey, WRJ helps us go through our journeys. I just finished my term as Southeast District President. I have to say that that journey was one of the best experiences of my life, an experience I will never forget. That being said, WRJ like Jacob, not only prepares our rising leaders, but also prepares current leaders for the next step in their leadership roles. 

As we see our current journey take a new and different turn, I know the reason we stay so involved and encourage others to get involved is because of the tools available to us. WRJ encourages all of our members to stay proactive in leadership conferences, conventions, district events, and WRJ’s webinars. We are also encouraged to take active roles in our home sisterhoods and districts. I can’t tell you how important this is to any organization, especially WRJ sisterhoods, women’s groups, and districts. Keeping our past leaders involved shows the ‘newbies’ that our organization is stable. I remember my first WRJ North American Board meeting seeing the WRJ Past Presidents sitting together and taking an active role in all the topics and concerns that were presented. I remember thinking this says a lot about WRJ. I don’t know of many other organizations where you see this.    

Jacob also encourages us to see what is beyond and not take our blessing for granted. Be present when you are taking part in these events and programs. Look at the faces around the room.  Remember some of these women are at their first sisterhood event, first Area Day, District Conventions, or conference. Invite them to become an active part of the program.  This will encourage more involvement and helps us be stronger together.

May the light of the Shabbat candles brighten all our lives.

Ellen Petracco is the WRJ Southeast District Immediate Past President. Ellen is also a WRJ Board Member and a member of Temple B’nai Israel in Clearwater, FL.