Vayechi: Chapter 31

"And I will lie with my fathers"

Synopsis

Rabbi Yehuda begins by explaining the significance of each day with or without sin for the individual. We learn that if man sins and repents, that day returns to its place. However, if he does not repent, that day ascends to bear testimony to this sin, then descends, joins with the spirit outside, and brings evil to that man. At the end of his days, man's soul is clothed with the days in which he did not sin. If there are none, he is sentenced to Gehenom, wherein he is punished two days for each day of sin.

We learn that Adam repented for his great sin, although he did not completely repair the damage his sin caused. Therefore, the Lord accepted his repentance and clothed him with garments that were not made from his days. In contrast, Abraham wore a complete raiment of glory when he departed this world, since he merited it. Jacob also merited to be clothed in his own days. Indeed, his garments were scented with the perfume of the Female Principle, as signified by the verse, "And he smelled the smell of his garments." Rabbi Elazar then explains to Rabbi Yehuda that three garments are made for man from his days. These are worn by the Ruach, the Neshamah, and the Nefesh. Rabbi Elazar explains the relationship between, and the significance of, these bodies.

Rabbi Shimon directs the final portion of the discussion. He says that the companions of Babylon listen and learn from him, but do not share these matters with others. The reason for this, we are told, is that they are outside the Holy Land and do not draw from Holiness. Rabbi Shimon then warns us of the time when people abandon the study of the Torah and the scrolls are moved. Without the wisdom of the scholars and without the righteous to arouse the souls to pray for the living, the people of the world will be punished by the accusers - unless all people do penance for their sins. Rabbi Yehuda explains that when the world is in distress and is in need of mercy, the scroll of the Torah must be stirred. Then, the Nefesh informs the Ruach, the Ruach the Neshamah, and lastly, the Neshamah informs the Holy One. The Lord then draws the crystal dew to flow upon the sleeping patriarchs who join in and pray for the world. Only then does the Lord have mercy on the world.

Relevance

Each day in our lives presents us with opportunities to fulfill our personal spiritual mission in life and complete our transformation. Unfortunately, most people fail to realize the meaning of life and the purpose of their existence. Each lost opportunity creates a negative blockage that diminishes and dims the Light of The Creator in our lives. It is within this expanding darkness that turmoil, hardship, pain, and suffering are born. Thus, it behooves a man to awaken to the spiritual truths of his existence, so that he may develop himself spiritually. This passage ignites that awareness in our consciousness. It helps to remove the negative blockages and darkness created by our lack of action in previous times, while arousing penitence in our hearts for our unkind behavior. Moreover, the Light of the Torah is set aflame, drawing to us both mercy and protection.