The Book of Genesis concludes this Shabbat with the reading of Parashat Vayehi. According to the Biblical narrative, Jacob died at the age of 147. Jacob's deathbed request is to be buried with his ancestors in the land of Canaan. Joseph asks for his two sons to be blessed by his father.

Jacob-Israel reviews his life with Joseph. He evokes the triumphs and the pains of his life, especially the death of his beloved wife, Rachel. The elderly patriarch blesses his two grandchildren. However, he confuses the birth order of Ephraim and Menashe. The granting of the blessing of the older child to the younger is a common motif of the Torah. Let us note that Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Moses were not the first-born of their families. Yet, they assume the mantle of leadership. The blessing of Jacob-Israel, "May God make you as Ephraim and Menashe", has been incorporated into Jewish liturgy. Jewish fathers have blessed their sons with these words throughout the centuries.

The beautiful poem of the Blessing of Jacob is presented as Jacob's farewell message to his sons. This poem was the inspiration for Chagall's stained-glass windows at the Hadassah Hospital synagogue in Jerusalem. Reuben, the first-born is praised for his power, yet condemned for his sexual misconduct. Simeon and Levi are admonished for their revenge on the clan of Shechem, who had raped Dinah. Judah is associated with power and strength. The lion is associated with Judaism because of the imagery utilized here. The strange phrase "ad ki yavo shilo" has baffled commentators throughout the ages. Many Jewish and Christian commentators have understood the phrase in a messianic context. However, the genuine meaning of the text may never be understood.

Zevulon is associated with sea faring as his territory was on the Mediterranean coast. Yisachar is mentioned in the context of fertile soil. Dan and Gad are associated with military prowess. Asher is associated with prosperity. Naftali's name evokes an image of grace and swiftness.

Joseph is blessed with prosperity as a "fruitful vine". Joseph is acknowledged as triumphant above his brothers. Benjamin is envisioned as a wolf. The imagery shared in this beautiful poem evoked the artistic response of Chagall in his magnificent rendition of the twelve tribes in the Hadassah Hospital synagogue.

Jacob-Israel's final request is to be buried in the Cave of Machpelah where he buried his wife Leah. His body is embalmed in order to bring it to the land of Canaan. The Egyptians mourned the death of Jacob for seventy days. Joseph, the royal entourage, and Joseph's brothers make the journey to bury Jacob-Israel. Jacob's family mourns for him in the land of Canaan for seven days. Joseph's brothers are concerned that he might avenge the past now that the patriarch Jacob-Israel is gone. However, Joseph assures them that he has truly forgiven them. Joseph again perceives his situation as part of a greater divine plan.

According to the Biblical narrative, Joseph lived until the age of one hundred ten. Joseph lives to see his great-grandchildren. Joseph reminds his descendants that his request is to be buried in the land of Canaan.

We conclude the first book of the Torah, Sefer Bereishit, the Book of Genesis, with the traditional words, "Hazak, Hazak, v'Nithazek". "May we strengthen one another" as we have found inspiration in reading the Book of Genesis.