Parashat Vayechi To Be or Not to Be?
Every year when we read the final section in the book of Bereishit, I feel sad as we bid farewell to Jacob and Joseph. Their deaths bring to a close the stories of the patriarchs that began weeks ago with Abraham and Sarah. Each year we follow their journeys and struggles, finding new insights and inspiration in ancient narratives.
Jacob understands that he is about to leave this world. He calls each child and blesses them. What is wonderful is that he has grown to understand each of his children as individuals and is able to bless them with something utterly unique. Many people claim to want to be unique but ultimately being one of a crowd is more appealing. Modern society appears to advocate a herd mentality. It’s quite remarkable how we can abandon our sense of self so quickly.
By dressing, speaking acting as another we end up living some grass-is-greener version of someone else’s life and forget about our own lives. The Chassidic master Reb Zusha of Anipoli was on his death bed, and tears were streaming down his face. “Why are you crying?” asked his disciples. “If God asks me why I wasn’t like Moses or Maimonides,” answered Reb Zusha, “I’ll say, I wasn’t blessed with that kind of leadership ability and wisdom.” But I’m afraid of another question,” continued Reb Zusha, “what if God asks, Reb Zusha, why weren’t you like Reb Zusha? Why didn’t you find your inner being and realize your inner potential? Why didn’t you find yourself? That is why I am crying.”
The American Poet E.E. Cummings said it best. To be nobody but yourself in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight; and never stop fighting. Perhaps this is why Jacob could not part from his children with general comments.
Being your best self is harder than it sounds. It’s a matter or tuning in rather than looking out. What brings you a sense of fulfilment, confidence, and pride? When are you your happiest? What legacy do you want to leave behind? Jacob helped each one of his children to understand their own selves. Without Jacob we have to figure things out for ourselves.. Good Luck! Shabbat Shalom
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