Parashat Vayechi

reflection by Rebecca Schisler

"Parshat Vayechi is the story of Jacob’s death. Yet its name, ‘Vayechi,’ ‘and he lived,’ bespeaks its true message - that death and life are inseparable. Even at the moment of his death, in some way, Jacob lives. What is it that lives on? 

 The Torah does not even use the word ‘death’ when Jacb dies. It says, “…and he was gathered unto his people.” Our sages interpret this to mean that Jacob lives on in each of his descendants, and in this way, his spirit is eternal. 

 Jews traditionally invoke the eternal and infinite aspect of God when faced with death. Acknowledging the truth of death, we also acknowledge that there is a greater reality. Although this human body passes away, the divine is eternal, beyond the bounds of space and time. 

 Mindfulness shows us that all phenomena is constantly arising and passing away; death is the most stark demonstration of this truth. Our practice is to appreciate the fleeting nature of our experience, to respond to it lovingly and wisely, and to continually return to that which is consistent and steady - our breath, a prayer of lovingkindness, awareness itself. 

 Eventually, we begin to see that there is something unchanging beneath the surface of our thoughts and feelings. Abiding there, we may experience wisdom and grace. Our perception begins to clarify as creation reveals herself to us in ever-unexpected ways. Holding the movement of our lives in an open palm, we let go what is ready to be let go - and we are softened in the process. We can forgive life for its impermanence. We can appreciate the preciousness of each fleeting moment, and open to receive its gift. 

 As our chasidic literature constantly reminds us, ein od milvado - there is none other besides God. There is nothing that is not the Divine, concealing itself in the garments of our ever-changing, always-unfolding, growing, blooming, and withering world. If we slow down to truly listen and to feel, to hold it and allow ourselves to be held by it, and look closely enough - we can start to see that."

 Shabbat Shalom from Or Halev