Vayechi | ???? | The Tzaddik ( “And he lived “) and Listen to the Heavenly Voice(Kol me-shammaim) so that We may Live in his Holy Presence

The “Tzaddik” – “And he lived,” i.e., “Jacob thought dead is alive.”

The final reading from the book of Genesis is named Vayechi (????), which means “and he lived.” The first verse of the reading, which says, “Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years” (Genesis 47:28). In this Torah portion, Jacob prepares for his death by securing a double portion of inheritance for Joseph and then blessing each of his sons with prophetic blessings. The book of Genesis ends with the death of Jacob, followed shortly by the death of Joseph and a promise of redemption from Egypt.

Chai HaShem (HaShem lives): “Most High is the Living One”

HaShem lives! Blessed be my Rock! Let the G-d of my salvation be exalted- Psalms 18:46-47 – How fitting that life is tied to the Holy One, blessed be He.

“And Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years” ( Beresheet 47:28). Rabbi Yosi said, Jacob’s heart saw through prophecy in Egypt that his descendants would suffer many exiles – NAMELY HE SAW ALL THE EXILES from then until now, until the End, and the time of the Coming of Messiah.

And Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years. So the length of Jacob’s life was one hundred and forty-seven years. “And he Lived” is to be compared with Jacob’s message to Esau in ( Genesis 32:4) And he commanded them, saying, “Speak thus to my lord Esau, ‘Thus your servant Jacob says: “I have dwelt with Laban and stayed there until now.’”

Jacob arrived at the prophecy of “and…lived” only in Egypt. It was an excellent prophecy, the like of which was never prophesied before. None of the prophets was worthy of it except for him and Moses ALONE. It is written of Moses, , “For no man shall see Me, and Live“ (Shemot 33:20). Of Jacob, it is written, “And Jacob lived”  REFERRING TO the prophecy which descends from the shining mirror, TIFERET(beauty), “And he lived,” pertaining to Jacob. Yet what we have is an account of events leading up to his death. The reason for this is that Jacob was considered an especially righteous man, and we are told the following:

Tzaddikim (the righteous), even in death are called “living,” whereas the evil, even while living are called “dead.”

I (Yeshua) was dead, but look! — I am alive forever and ever – Revelation 1 : 18

“but the Sar HaChayyim( author of the life) you did away with, whom Hashem made to stand up alive again from the mesim(i.e dead), of which we are edim (witnesses) –

You killed the author of life! “But G-d has raised him from the dead! Of this we are witnesses – Acts 3 : 15

Cleave to Most High is to Serve and To Live:(” Am Yisrael Chai”)

Jacob lived: As the Presence and blessings of HaShem followed Jacob and his sons into Egypt . Israel is always the evidence of life. the word vayechi [and he lived], it is also pointing to Am Yisra’el Chai…and they lives because they are the firstborn son of Eternal Living one.

In Chassidic teachings we found the need of the Messiah. They have some amazing insights into the purpose of a Tzadik (a righteous one). Chassidus teaches that it is through the Tzadik (eg. Rebbeinu) that one can drawn closer to the holiness of HaShem. Through a Tzadik, one can become attached to HaShem. This concept is called “devekut” [cleaving]. Modern Hassidic commentary reflects how the essence of Yom Kippur is related with salvation, expressed in terms of our soul “bonding” or “cleaving” with G-d:

connection to Yom Kippur: …and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation – Hebrews 9: 28

Writings of Qumran (Dead Sea Scrolls): when he shall atone for all the Sons of Light, and the people who are predestined to Melchizadek …..

The visitation is the Day of Salvation that He has decreed through Isaiah the prophet concerning all the captives, inasmuch as Scripture says, “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news, who announces salvation, who says to Zion “Your divine being reigns”.” (Isa. 52;7) This scriptures interpretation : “the mountains” are the prophets, they who were sent to proclaim God`s truth and to prophesy to all Israel. “The messengers” is the Anointed of the spirit, of whom Daniel spoke; “After the sixty-two weeks, an Anointed shall be cut off”(Dan. 9;26) The “Messenger who brings good news, who announces Salvation” is the one of whom it is written; “to proclaim the year of the LORD`s favour , the day of the vengeance of our G-d; to comfort all who mourn” (Isa. 61;2) This scripture`s interpretation: he is to instruct them about all the periods of history for eternity (… and in the statutes) of the truth. (…) (…. dominion) that passes from Belial and returns to the Sons of Light (….) (…) by the judgment of G-d, just as t is written concerning him; “who says to Zion “Your divine being reigns” (Isa. 52;7) “Zion” is the congregation of all the sons of righteousness, who uphold the covenant and turn from walking in the way of the people. “Your divine being” is Melchizedek, who will deliver them from the power of Belial – 11Q13 Col.2 – ……..Concerning what scripture says, “Then you shall have the trumpet sounded loud; in the seventh month …” (Lev. 25;9)

But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he is about to Sound his trumpet, the mysteries plan of G-d will be fulfilled, just as He proclaimed to His servants, the prophets- Revelation 10:7

You shall fear HaShem your G-d; you shall serve Him, and to Him you shall hold fast [tid’bak from davak = “Cleave”] , and take oaths in His Name. – Deuteronomy 10:20

In Deuteronomy (4:4) we are told the result of that “clinging” to HaShem. Life. But G-d is a consuming fire:

For HaShem your G-d is a Consuming fire… Deuteronomy 4:24a and In New Testament For indeed, “Our G-d is a Consuming fire!” – Hebrews 12 : 29

Simeon said: ‘I have still one thing more to tell you. It says in one place “For the Lord thy G-d is a consuming fire” (Deuteronomy 4: 24), and in another place “Ye that stuck (deveykus/cleaving) to the Lord your G-d are all of you alive this day” (Deut. 4: 4).

How is it possible to cling to one, whose very Holy Presence will Consume us?Chassidus teaches that Moses was the ultimate Tzadik that provided a means for all Israel to cleave to HaShem. Therein the secret lies is the purpose for the Tzadik [the rightous one]. Chassidus teaches that the Tzadik, by his elevated holiness, is able to attach himself to HaShem, and on the Tzadik’s merit is not consumed and we may live in his presence. In turn, the Tzadik’s disciples cleave to their Rebbeinu and find the comfort and presence of HaShem. As it is written: On the third day he will raise us so that we may live in his presence- Hosea 6:2.

R.Kattina said: Six thousand years shall the world exist, and one [thousand, the seventh], it shall be desolate, as it is written, And the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day.  Abaye said: it will be desolate two [thousand], as it is said, After two days will he revive us: in the third day, he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight.

To Live in his Holy presence but not to be consumed

How the Infinite G-d can dwell among sinful nature with finite man and without destroying him. so there should be no sinful nature without evil inclination to dwell among us!

Now think about to the Tabernacle. What was its purpose? And let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them – Exodus 25:8.

HaShem dwelt among us at the Tabernacle and the Temple which was temporary. But Now he wants to dwelt permanently with us. Only the “Word made flesh” could do that. HaShem could “put on” the Tabernacle and dwelt with us.

As it is written:

And let them make me a sanctuary [Hebrew, miqdosh, sanctuary, i.e., a holy place], that I may dwell in their midst.

Yochanan gives explanation about devekut [clinging to Most High] and even in Hebrews chapters(9:14-15  & 12) explained about the mystery of Tzaddik heavenly holy work(i.e before the foundation of the world, Messiah atoning Work was Most High Plan about the process of the salvation for all the souls of Israel)

….And the Word became flesh and dwelt [ tabernacled ] among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. – John 1:1-4; 9-10; 14-18.

“Behold, the dwelling of G-d is with men. He will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and G-d himself will be with them. Revelation 21 :3,7.

The shekinah origanlly rested on the Tabernacle and the purpose of the Tabernacle was so that the Infinite Holy One, blessed is He, could dwell among His people. And yet, the Holy G-d, could not dwell among sinful men. Yom Kippur provided for that. The offerings of Yom Kippur made the Place holy. This all works quite well in the temporal way. HaShem dwelt among us at the Tabernacle and the Temple. But the Tabernacle does not allow us to dwell with Him in perpetuity.

Yom Kippur brings atonement and Death of the righteous brings atonement – Yerushalami Yoma1:1 and this would seem to indicate a perpetual state of fulfillment of Yom Kippur, as provided for by the death of Yeshua( Tzaddik).

Yeshua’s work, being the shed blood of the Divine Tzaddik (and mediator), effected a “permanent” atonement for those who trust in Him and walk in the way of Torah:

Hebrews 9:14-15 -……..cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living Most High! For this reason Messiah is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance.

The temporal problem of the infinite Holy One, blessed is He, dwelling among us was solved by the process mentioned in chapters of Leviticus. So we had only what was necessary to remain in his presence for a single day( day of atonement) with sin and guilt offerings. However, without an eternal solution – one that would deal with the ultimate effect of sin (ie. death), we would not be able to dwell with HaShem eternally. In His Presence death is not allowed.

Are we looking something else which is permanent. We needed HaShem to dwell among us physically, and we needed to be purified once and for all so that we could dwell with Him eternally. Only the “Word made flesh” could do that. HaShem could “put on” the Tabernacle and dwelt with us, and even though it protected us from dying in those moments of worship, we eventually aged and died. It was always HaShem’s plan to “put on” a more enduring “Tabernacle” and make the arrangement permanent. ( it might be the heavenly Tabernacle. Baruch HaShem.)

As it is written: You will bring them in and plant them on the mountain which is your heritage. the place, Adonai, that you made your abode,the sanctuary, Adonai, which your hands established – Exodus 15:17

It was Messiah, as the ultimate Tzadik, having the very holiness of Most High in the frailty of human flesh that accomplished this. Yeshua is the Torah in the flesh — the point of John 1:1 and Yeshua is the goal of the Torah (Romans 10:4). It was always His work on our behalf, His ultimate offering of His perfect life is the merit by which we were able to eternally cleave to HaShem and not be consumed. Before the foundation of the world, Messiah’s atoning work was YHWH plan.

Yeshua is the lamb slain since the foundation of the world (Hebrews 4:3, 9:26; Rev. 13:8). Yeshua Himself said: John 8:56 — “Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it, and was glad.”

Yeshua’s work, being the shed blood of the Divine Tzaddik , effected a “permanent” atonement( i.e eternal atonement) for those who trust in Him and walk in the way of Torah. In New Testament shows both the atonement provided by the divine Tzaddik, as well as the Kingdom set aside for the righteous, stem from the “foundation of the world”:

Revelation 13:8 – And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

Matthew 25:34 – Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

1 Peter 1:18-20 – ….. But with the precious blood of Messiah, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you.

For just as in connection with Adam all die, so in connection with the Messiah (i.e cleaving to  HaShem through Tzaddik atoning work which was done in above mishkan) all will be made alive.  .....we may live in his presence- Hosea 6:2;  But each in his own order: the Messiah is the first fruits; then those who belong to the Messiah ( his offering of his righteous life is the merit by which we are able to eternally cleave to Most High), at the time of his coming - I Corinthians 15:22

Rabbi Simai said, “From where in Torah do we learn the resurrection of the dead? From the verse, ‘I also established my covenant with them to give them the land of Canaan.’ It doesn’t say ‘[to give] you’; it says ‘to give them.’ Therefore [since Abraham, Isaac and Jacob haven’t yet received the land] the resurrection of the dead is proved from the Torah.” (b.Sanhedrin 90b, quoting Exodus 6:4)

Rabbi Simai’s argument with the Sadducees sounds similar to Yeshua’s. When the Sadducees asked Yeshua to prove from the Torah that the dead are raised, He pointed to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob:

Rabbienu Tzaddik Yeshua words:

But regarding the fact that the dead rise again, have you not read in the book of Moses, in the passage about the burning bush, how God spoke to him, saying, “I am the G-d of Abraham, and the G-d of Isaac, and the G-d of Jacob”? He is not the G-d of the dead, but of the living – Mark 12:26–27, quoting Exodus 3:6 .

But the fact is that the Messiah has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have died. For since death came through a man, also the resurrection of the dead has come through a man ( i.e through Righteous one) – I Corinthians 15 :20

And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Yeshua and for the word of G-d, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Messiah for a thousand years –Revelation 20:4

Torah

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Genesis 47:28-50:26

Genesis 48:1-9, 13-20; 49:1-28

Genesis 50:20,21,26

Exodus 3:6

Haftarah Portion

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1 Kings 2:1-12

Ha-Berit ha-Hadashah

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Luke 4:31-5:11

Hebrews 11:21

1 Peter 1:1-9

Mark 12:26–27

Revelation 20:4

Notes:

The name of our Parsha is “Vayechi” – And he lived, referring to the life of Yaakov. “And He Lived”. As our forefathers lived, so shall we live, in these last days, to fulfill our destiny; if we will only “Sh’ma” (hear and obey). Tehillim / Psalms 33:11-12 says; The counsel of YHVH stands forever, The plans of His heart to all generations. Blessed is the nation whose Elohim is YHVH, The people whom He has chosen as His own inheritance. We are the inheritance of Yahweh. If we will follow Him in obedience, He promises to bring us back from our captivity, just as He did with our forefathers in Mitzrayim. Yirmeyahu 30:3-4; ‘For look, the days are coming,’ declares YHVH, ‘when I shall turn back the captivity of My people Yisra’el and Yehudah,’ declares YHVH, ‘and I shall bring them back to the land that I gave to their fathers, and let them possess it.’ ” And these are the words YHVH spoke concerning Yisra’el and Yehudah.

“And he called his son Joseph, and said to him, if now I have found favor in your sight” (Beresheet 47:29). He examined all his sons and said to them, I see many evil troubles come upon your children, and One should find supernal Mercy from Most High.

R. Abba said: ‘On New Year Adam was created and was brought to trial before his Master and repented and was pardoned by the Almighty. He said to him: Adam, thou shalt be a sign to thy descendants for all generations. On this day they are brought to trial, and if they repent I will pardon them and remove from the Throne of Judgement and sit on the Throne of Mercy and have mercy on them.’

Then is the time to “blow up the trumpet on the new moon, at the appointed time on our solemn feast day” (PS. LXXXI(81, 4): for happy are Israel who know how to remove the throne of judgement and set up the throne of mercy; and wherewith? With the shofar.

In the Book of Enoch regarding petition for Mercy from Most High: This Son of Man existed “in secret” since the beginning. He is also called “son of woman.” The elect will stand before him one day (Enoch 61:9-11). People will pray to him and petition him for mercy (Enoch 61:13). He is equated with the Lord of Spirits (Enoch 61:15-18). He or his name live with the Lord of Spirits(Enoch 69:1) He is equated with the Messiah (Enoch 48:11).

Ephraim and Manasseh Blessings:

Jacob when blessing Ephraim uses the term, “m’loh ha goyim,” or “fullness of the gentiles. (Genesis 48:19) Paul uses this same term in Romans 11:25, when speaking of the final redemption of Israel. Rabbi Shaul is not referring to “the gentiles” when he uses this term, rather he is referring to the return the exiled tribes.

Rashi’s comments on Jacob’s adopting of Ephraim and Manasseh in Genesis 48:5 refer to the share in the Land of Israel that each one will receive: They are similar to the shares that Jacob’s own sons will inherit. In fact, this adoption is the reason that Ephraim and Manasseh are counted among the twelve tribes of Israel,

Rabbi Shimon said, to explain away the difficulty that he called only joseph his son and not all the tribes, these words of Rabbi Shimon are brought here. “And establish justice in the gate, it may be that Hashem Elohim of Tzeva’ot will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph“ (Amos 5:15), for all the children of Yisrael are called Joseph.

Like Ephraim and Menashe, Gentile believers have a special connection to Israel though Mashiach ben Yosef – (in the merit of Tzaddik/Righteous one ) – Isaiah 56:

Neither let the foreigner, who has joined himself HaShem, speak, saying, ‘Hashem will surely separate me from his people; neither let the eunuch say, ‘Behold, I am a dry tree.’ For thus says HaShem, ‘To the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and hold fast my covenant: to them I will give in my house and within my walls a memorial and a name better than of sons and of daughters; I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off. Also the foreigners who join themselves to HaShem, to minister to him, and to love the name of HaShem, to be his servants, everyone who keeps the Sabbath from profaning it, and holds fast my covenant; even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted on my altar, for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples. Ad-nai HaShem, who gathers the outcasts of Israel, says, ‘Yet will I gather others to him, besides his own who are gathered.- Isaiah 56:3-8

As it is written: For HaShem will have mercy on Jacob, and will still choose Israel, and settle them in their own land. The Strangers will be joined with them, and they will Cling to the house of Jacob– Isaiah 14:1

And the twelve tribes are listed differently dependent upon their duties in the scriptures. What is most interested part is in Revelation 7:4-8. The tribe of Dan is missing, but so is Ephraim. Instead, of Ephraim, Joseph is listed. Revelation 7:4-8 lists the tribes:

Judah, Reuben, Gad, Asher, Naphtali, Manasseh, Simeon, Levi, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph, and Benjamin.

The only other place “the Tribe of Joseph” is mentioned outside of Revelation 7:8 is compared in in Numbers 13:11, where the twelve spies are chosen. Instead of Ephraim being called the tribe of Joseph, here it is Manasseh: “from the tribe of Joseph (that is) from the tribe of Manasseh… ” Gaddi the Son of Susi..…Numbers 13:11

Gaddi- A Servant of Most Ancient Holy one of Israel and Disciple of Yeshua HaMashiach

The expression "of the tribe of Joseph," in Num 13:11, stands for "of the Children of Joseph," in Num 1:10;  Num 34:23 and as it is stated in Num 13:3,  "heads of the children of Israel”.

Natziv on Numbers 2:20 ## In spiritual matters Ephraim takes precedence therefore he was recorded first in the Wilderness Encampment (Numbers 2:18) and in the consecration of the altar. In the ways of this world however Menasseh was primary. This is why Menasseh was counted first in the census just before they were entered the Land (Numbers 26:29). Manasseh had precedence over Ephraim in affairs of this world (Natziv on Numbers 2:20)

A different explanation is given by Rabbi Naphtali Tzvi Berlin (Netziv). In his commentary on the Torah, Ha`amek Davar, he writes: “Ephraim and Manasseh were each great in different ways; Ephraim was great in Torah and adhering to the Lord, while Manasseh was great in the ways of the world and caring for the community.” In his notes, Harhev Davar, he remarks:

It is fitting to bless a person only with such blessing as the Lord has bestowed upon him thus far, a rich person with wealth and a wise person with wisdom… That being the case, it is not fitting to bless a person who does not occupy himself with Torah that he be like Ephraim, or a person who does not occupy himself with worldly affairs that he be like Manasseh. But when a child is circumcised and it is as yet unknown which path the child will follow, then a Jew blesses him, “G-d make you like Ephraim” – if he should grow up to occupy himself with Torah, may he succeed like Ephraim, “and Manasseh” – if he grow up to occupy himself with worldly affairs, may he be like Manasseh.

Baruch HaShem. What a blessing to the tribe of Jospeh !!!

Gaddi- A Servant of Most High Witness: Who keep the Commandments(Torah) of Most High and have the Testimony of Yeshua haMashiach (i.e He is our Tzaddik, Righteous one, Whom Most High raised him from the dead.

The Ephraim’s redemption is based on repentance and follow the footsteps of Messiah – And it is under the divine mandate of Mashiach ben Yosef(Voice of Most High) as we love to call as Rabbi Yeshua our Mashiach.

Thus says HaShem G-d: ‘Surely I will take the stick of Joseph, which is in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel, his companions; and I will join them with it, with the stick of Judah, and make them one stick, and they will be one in My hand.” – Ezekiel 37:16-24

At the coming of Messiah, both the Shekinah and children of Rachel (exiled ones of Israel/remnant of yosef ) comes to the holy land of Israel and will be properly established in Israel.

 

Haftarat Vayechi – ‘And he lived’ (1Kings 2:1-12)

As Jacob blesses his sons, so too King David blesses his son Solomon in this week’s haftarah. But like this week’s Torah portion, it is not about “dying” – it is about “living.” It begins this way:

Now the days of David drew near that he should die, and he charged Solomon his son, saying: I go the way of all the earth; be Strong, therefore, and prove yourself a man- 1 Kings 2:1-2

That “be Strong” phrase [v’chazak’at] is written in of Joshua 1:9, where Most Hugh spoke to Joshua after the death of Moses our Teacher:

Command to Act:

Have I not commanded you? Be Strong [chazak] and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for HaShem your G-d is with you wherever you go.

Joshua 1:9

And keep the charge of Most High your G-d: to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandments, His judgments, and His testimonies, as it is written in the Torah of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn; that Most High may fulfill His word which He spoke concerning me, saying, ‘If your sons take heed to their way, to walk before Me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, ‘ He said, ‘you shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.’

1Kings 2:3-4

To “be Strong” found in this passage:

• Keep the charge of Most High
• Walk in His ways
• Keep His statutes, commandments, judgments, testimonies
• Take heed to your way
• Walk before Him in truth, with all your heart and all your soul

For Messiah is the goal of the Torah for righteousness to everyone who believes. For Moses writes about the righteousness which is of the Torah, “The man who does those things shall live by them- Romans 10:4-5

But the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may do it. “See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil, in that I command you today to love HaShem your G-d, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments, His statutes, and His judgments, that you may live and multiply; and Most High your G-d will bless you in the land which you go to possess.”

Deuteronomy 10:11-16

By this we know that we love the children of G-d, when we love G-d and keep His commandments. For this is the love of G-d, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome- 1John 5:2

Yeshua Words in Luke:

And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested Him [Yeshua], saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the Torah? What is your reading of it?” So he answered and said, “‘You shall love the L-rd your G-d with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.’” And He said to him, “You have answered rightly; do this and You will live. ” – Luke 10:25-28

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no change, nor shadow of turning. Having purposed it, He brought us forth by the Word of truth, for us to be a kind of first-fruits of His creatures. – Ya’aqob 1:17-18.

You are the Most Ancient Holy one, Your Word is our Life and Blessed are you, YHVH, Who loves his Nation Israel.

By Listening to his Voice and Obedience to His commands reveals Messiah, and Messiah’s Righteousness

Gaddi – President