Dec. 28, 2023

Parshas Vayechi: Yaakov's Final Legacy & Embracing the Divine Dependence at Life's Threshold

Discover the profound spiritual insights from the final moments of Yaakov of Avinu's life as our esteemed guest unravels the significance behind his last blessings. This episode takes you on a journey through the narrative, examining why Yaakov positioned himself towards the head of the bed as he prepared to part from this world. Our guest, an acclaimed scholar well-versed in the writings of Rav Wolbe and the Maharal, offers a unique perspective on how this act symbolizes the presence of the divine Shechina with those who humbly accept their reliance on the Almighty.

As we explore the intricacies of these timeless lessons, we are reminded of the importance of humility and the recognition of our dependence on Hashem, even outside of life's most challenging moments. Our conversation invites you to consider how one's stance on self-sufficiency can influence one's spiritual connection, emphasizing the power of embracing our vulnerabilities. This episode is not just a story of the past but a call to cultivate a life filled with the constant companionship of the Shechina by acknowledging the support we perpetually need from the divine. Join us for an enlightening discussion that will deepen your understanding and appreciation of these enduring teachings.

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Questions or Comments? Please email me @ michaelbrooke97@gmail.com



Transcript
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Manoeuvring himself upon his deathbed.

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Yaakov of Vino is welcoming in his son, yosef.

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He's organizing his affairs on his deathbed, setting up his brachos, assembling his children to foretell their futures.

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And when Yosef comes in, the Pentecost tells us that Israel prostrated himself towards the head of the bed.

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Why?

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Why is it that I shatachavu al-Rashamita, says or asks you?

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Well, because the divine presence hangs out at the top of an ill person.

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That's why Yaakov was maneuvering himself on his deathbed towards the head of his bed and turned towards the shrine.

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It's a good place to hang out and Revolva the morale.

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Amongst other great commentators, they ask why is it that the divine presence, the heavenly and hallowed shrine, rests at the top of an ill person?

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Interesting to ponder.

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Maybe he'll say, well, this person's ill, maybe he's going to go under and going to pass away.

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So maybe we just want to acquaint him with some heavenly experiences.

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That's hardly the shot.

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But they suggest that Akhadash Baruch's shrine rests comfortably upon somebody that recognizes how dependent upon Hashem he is.

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It's Meda, knegid Meda, that an ill person is naturally and forcibly succumbing to mother nature, succumbing to the will of Akhadash Baruch, and he's forced to understand this lesson of his own feebleness and inadequacies and just how dependent upon Akhadash Baruch he is and that welcomes in ushers in Hashem's presence, and they say, conversely, inversely, that God forbid.

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Somebody that walks arrogantly, feels self dependent, self reliant, is literally bidding farewell and escorting the heavenly Shchina away from himself.

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As he walks with his head held high as a man of that Davenshmona Esra, with an entirely full bank account that can hardly feel dependent upon anyone else and there's not a chance in the world he will cry to the Abister please give me my rent money.

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A certain less of a connection and realization of the Shchina.

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It's a Moser Haskel for us to remember just how dependent upon Hashem we are.

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And even in those moments when we see our lives God forbid flash before our eyes and we get that realization, we see how weak we really are and just how feeble the human body is and how badly we need Hashem for everything.

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It's important that we remember that, internalize it, so that we constantly remember HaKadash and Baruch Hu and welcome the Shchina to reside with us all the days of our lives.