בס"ד


In the Torah, every detail is precise. This includes the names of the weekly portions, which express the very essence and content of the narrative. From the very beginning of the portion (Genesis 47:28), the Torah recounts the passing of Jacob, not his life. This raises a question: Why is our portion named Vayechi (“And he lived”), when it deals with the exact opposite?

Eternal life is a topic that frequently makes headlines. There are tyrannical leaders who attempt to prolong their lives through organ transplants—often obtained through the dubious and forbidden practice of theft of body parts, an act strictly prohibited under the Seven Noahide Laws. On the other hand, scientists claim that genetic engineering will eventually lead to eternal life. Could that really lead to eternal life? Not necessarily. The explanation lies in the deep meaning of Life. True life is eternal. For this reason, only the Almighty—the Source of Life—can be described as Truth. Since G-d is Truth, He is unchanging and never-ending; therefore, He is synonymous with Life.

The Torah reveals the secret: Cleaving to G-d. Since the Almighty is the only True Life, whoever attaches themselves to Him lives as well. As it is written: “But you who cleave to the Lord your G-d are all alive today.” This is why the People of Israel, through the 613 commandments, and the Noahides, through the observance of their 7 commandments, merit eternal life—because they are cleaving to the Source of Eternity. This eternal connection is most powerfully expressed when one encounters obstacles and must face hardships. As long as life flows smoothly, one’s devotion to the Creator is not fully tested. It is specifically when a person faces disturbances and difficulties in their divine service, yet overcomes them to fulfill the commandments despite the struggle—that is when it is revealed that they are truly attached to G-d.

Now we can understand why the portion is called Vayechi. Previously, Jacob was in the Land of Israel, a place of holiness. Although he endured many trials there, they were not enough to fully reveal his level of devotion relative to his high spiritual standing.But now in Egypt, Jacob’s unconditional nullification to Hashem was revealed. Therefore he clinged to the source of true eternal life.

However, when Jacob is at the end of his days, having descended with his family to Egypt—a place of imorality—and yet he and his children maintain their righteousness and integrity, everyone can see that Jacob is truly “Alive.” Therefore, the portion is called Vayechi, because it is here that we clearly see Jacob’s eternal life.

This concept applies to every Noahide: attachment to the Creator is achieved specifically through the fulfillment of His commandments. Just as an ocean cannot be contained in a small container, so the human mind is incapable of grasping the greatness of the Creator. Since the creator is infinite the only way to bridge the gap between a created being and his creator is to fulfill His 7 Universal commandments. By observing these laws, one merits a life that is truly eternal.

Door Rabbijn Moshe Bernstein

Source: Likutei Sichos Vol. 15 page 422. Genesis 47:28. Likutei Torah Pharshat Nitzavim page 45. Tractate Taanit 5b.



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