Daily Chumash & Rashi – Parshas Vayechi Revi’i: Yaakov’s parting messages for his children (Wednesday, 11th Teves)

Q1: What did Yaakov intend to reveal to his sons when he said, “I will tell you what will befall you”?

He wished to reveal the time of the ultimate redemption, but the Divine Presence departed from him, so he spoke of other matters.

Q2: Why does Yaakov call Reuven “my strength and the first of my virility”?

Because Reuven was conceived from Yaakov’s first drop of semen, showing Yaakov’s vigor and purity.

Q3: What privileges was Reuven originally destined for?

The priesthood and kingship, as indicated by “foremost in rank and foremost in power.”

Q4: Why did Reuven lose these privileges?

Because of his impulsive act in moving his father’s bed, which Rashi explains as “impetuosity like water.”

Q5: What does “impetuous as water” mean?

It refers to Reuven’s haste and uncontrolled passion, like water rushing without restraint.

Q6: Why does Yaakov say, “You profaned the Name of G‑d”?

Because the Divine Presence rested on Yaakov’s bed, and Reuven’s act desecrated that sanctity.

Q7: Why are Shimon and Levi called “brothers”?

Because they were united in plotting against Shechem and in the plan to harm Yosef.

Q8: What does “stolen tools” mean in reference to Shimon and Levi?

Their use of violence was a craft stolen from Esav, whose blessing included mastery of the sword.

Q9: Why does Yaakov say, “Let my soul not enter their conspiracy”?

He prayed that his name not be associated with future sins of their descendants, such as Zimri’s immorality and Korach’s rebellion.

Q10: What does “they uprooted an ox” mean?

It refers to their desire to harm Yosef, who is compared to an ox in later blessings.

Q11: Why does Yaakov curse only their anger and not them personally?

Because the sin lay in their rage, not in their essence; he cursed their fury for its harshness.

Q12: How were Shimon and Levi punished according to Rashi?

They were scattered among Israel—Levi honorably through service in the Temple, Shimon through poverty and dependence as teachers and scribes.

Q13: Why does Yaakov begin Yehuda’s blessing with praise?

Because Yehuda feared rebuke for the Tamar incident, so Yaakov reassured him with words of honor.

Q14: What does “Your hand will be at the neck of your enemies” refer to?

To King David’s victories, as in “You have made my enemies turn their necks toward me.”

Q15: What does “a lion’s cub” symbolize in Yehuda’s blessing?

David’s early leadership as a young warrior, later becoming a mighty king like a lion.

Q16: What does “The scepter will not depart from Yehuda” mean?

That royal authority will remain with Yehuda’s descendants, including the exilarchs and leaders of the Sanhedrin.

Q17: Who is “Shiloh” according to Rashi?

The Messiah, to whom nations will bring gifts and submit.

Q18: What do the verses about vines and wine signify?

That Yehuda’s land will be so fertile that wine will be abundant, symbolizing prosperity and blessing.

Zevulun (Verse 13)

Q19: Where will Zevulun dwell according to Yaakov’s blessing?
By the seashores, near harbors, engaging in commerce.

Q20: What was Zevulun’s role in supporting Torah study?
He provided sustenance for Issachar so they could dedicate themselves to Torah learning.

Issachar (Verses 14–15)

Q21: To what animal is Issachar compared, and why?
To a strong-boned donkey, symbolizing his endurance in bearing the yoke of Torah.

Q22: What does “resting between the boundaries” mean?
Issachar worked tirelessly and rested only briefly, like a donkey between city borders.

Q23: How did Issachar serve the nation?
By rendering halachic rulings and establishing leap years, providing leadership in Torah matters.

Dan (Verses 16–18)

Q24: What does “Dan will judge his people” mean?
Dan will avenge Israel’s enemies, referring to Samson’s heroic acts.

Q25: Why is Dan compared to a snake?
Because Samson struck the Philistines unexpectedly, like a snake biting a horse’s heel.

Q26: What does Yaakov mean by “I hope for Your salvation, G‑d”?
He foresaw Samson’s tragic end and prayed for Divine salvation.