Topics in the Parsha - Vayechi

[barbara1]

When trying to rid ourselves of critical and/or judgemental thoughts towards others, it is helpful to remind ourselves that we all share the same unifying force in our souls.  We need to be happy for the other Jew's happiness and success because we are connected to him through the same single essence.  And we are responsible for him in his acceptance of Torah for the same reason.  From this unity we can feel true joy for each other and we can feel at one with them in their pain.   

[Jenna1]

This class gave an incredible perspective regarding the unity of the Jewish people.  When Mrs. Smiles talks about no letter in the Torah (except one - which one???) standing by itself it forced me to think about my life and so many individuals who made it possible for me to be who I am.  When she talked about the bracha that Yaakov gave and how each bracha was a bracha to all of them - it made me see that when one Jew is blessed, it is a blessing to all of us.  It's a very powerful concept!  Feel the simcha at a wedding because it's a blessing to all of us, when a baby is born, it's a bracha to the entire Jewish people.  We share the burden and we share the bracha.

[Hadassa1]

When we become aware that the Klal is made up of us- each of us- then the individual's significance becomes evident. Interestingly, Yaakov Avinu blessed each Shevet individually because each Shevet possessed a unique Koach that Yaakov knew about. Yet, when the Shevatim bond together as "Shivtei Kah", instead of blending into one unrecognizable mass (e.g., "a sea of black"), they form a unified whole with individual Kochos noticed and necessary!