Vayechi, וַיְחִי - And He Lived
Torah Portion: Genesis 47:28-50:26
Genesis 48:17–22
48:17 When Joseph saw that his father laid his right hand on the head of Ephraim, it displeased him. He held up his father’s hand to remove it from Ephraim’s head to Manasseh’s head. 18 Joseph said to his father, “Not so, my father, for this is the firstborn. Put your right hand on his head.”
19 His father refused and said, “I know, my son, I know. He also will become a people, and he also will be great. However, his younger brother will be greater than he, and his offspring will become a multitude of nations.” 20 He blessed them that day, saying, “Israel will bless in you, saying, ‘Elohim make you as Ephraim and as Manasseh’” He set Ephraim before Manasseh. 21 Israel said to Joseph, “Behold, I am dying, but Elohim will be with you, and bring you again to the land of your fathers. 22 Moreover, I have given to you one portion above your brothers, which I took out of the hand of the Amorite with my sword and with my bow.”
Today’s Meditation:
How does Ephraim’s offspring become greater than his brother’s (verse 19)? Ephraim became a powerful tribe in northern Israel, but in 721 BC, this tribe, along with nine other northern tribes, lost a war against Syria and was subsequently taken captive. Eventually, this tribe was dispersed and became one of the “lost ten tribes”.
Here is a curious thought. What if the tribe of Ephraim, through dispersion and intermarriage, although assimilated, has become the largest tribe of peoples? What if, throughout the world, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States, millions of people with Jewish heritage are tied to the tribe of Ephraim and don't even know it? Some people think this is true. Perhaps Hashem is calling many to prepare for their return to Israel, for the end of days.
Today’s Challenge:
If you are a gentile or Jew who follows and studies Torah, I challenge you to examine your ancestry (if you haven’t already). If you have older relatives who are alive, ask them about their family history. Visit websites like ancestry.com and explore your family's roots. You may be pleasantly surprised. Whether you are a gentile or a Jew, you may have some exciting things to learn about your ancestors.
