Parshat Vayechi
We are now at the end of the book of Genesis, Bereshit. Parshat Vayechi, is that last parsha of Bereshit. Here, Jacob brings all his sons around him to bless them before dying. Instead of blessing Joseph, he blesses Joseph's sons -- Ephraim & Menashe. This is important because this blessing forms the basis for the blessing parents use today to bless their children on Shabbat evening, Friday night. To watch a short demonstration of how the traditional blessing of children, click here.
Each family has a mission in the world. In our parsha, we find Jacob on his deathbed, offering a blessing to each of his sons. Each blessing includes a vision of that child's future. For example, when blessing Judah, he blesses both Judah and his descendants as leaders in Israel.
Write a mission statement for your family. For example, parents might work toward their children growing up to be secure, contributing members of society, ensuring that they have compassion for others and do good in the world. Everything we do while we are raising our children, large and small, contributes to this overall mission. Click here or here for some guidelines.
Write a mission statement for your family. For example, parents might work toward their children growing up to be secure, contributing members of society, ensuring that they have compassion for others and do good in the world. Everything we do while we are raising our children, large and small, contributes to this overall mission. Click here or here for some guidelines.