VAYECHI 5785 – THE ETERNAL LIFE OF JACOB · Sukkat Shalom B'nei Noach

בס”ד

The Torah says of Jacob, Micah 7:20, “You will give the truth to Jacob, the kindness of Abraham, which you swore to our fathers from ancient times.” Since truth is eternal and unchanging, so is Jacob’s life. This means that he lives not only in the spiritual realm but also in this world, in an eternal sense. This is the meaning of the Talmudic statement in Tractate Taanit 5:2: “As long as his seed lives, so shall he live.” Jacob’s true life is reflected in his descendants. As long as his children continue on his path, his life also continues. In this way, Jacob’s life continues forever in this physical world as well.

Thus, Jacob’s life exists simultaneously on two levels. The lives of his descendants, on the natural and supernatural levels. This is the secret of the existence of the Jewish people – a people who live within the natural world, yet whose very existence is a supernatural miracle. This eternity will be fully realized in the resurrection of the dead, when all of Israel, as well as the righteous among the nations who kept the Seven Laws of Noah, will be granted eternal life. The reason for this is that G-d is eternal and transcends time. And whoever is connected to Him through the observance of His commandments will also be granted eternal life.

The explanation lies in understanding what is life. True life is eternal. Therefore, only G-d is the source of life, as He blessed be beyond any limitations, He is also called ‘life.’ And whoever close to Him will be granted eternal life.

Indeed, in our time there has been very significant progress in understanding the mechanisms of aging, and it seems that delaying and even stopping aging is closer than ever. In the Messianic era, the issue of eternity will reach its peak. The primordial serpent has brought the first sin and death to the world. In the era of redemption, the curse of death will be lifted.

By Rabbi Moshe Bernstein

If you want more questions for contemplation, SEE THE OTHER BLOGS FROM RABBI MOSHE BERNSTEIN