This morning we explore part of a lecture I had the privilege to hear in person from the Rav, Rabbi Yosef Soloveitchik, on why our Parsha, VaYechi, which covers the death of Yaakov, is in Bereishit (Book of Genesis), since the narrative structure of this book, the creation of the world and of the Jewish family, seemingly is complete with last week's Parsha, VaYigash, when Yaakov and his family are reunited and in Egypt. VaYechi appear to be extraneous to Bereishit. The Rav, drawing on the first Rashi in Chumash, sees in Yaakov's burial instructions, the cementing of the eternal connection between the People of Israel and the Land of Israel.

Michael Whitman is the senior rabbi of ADATH Congregation in Hampstead, Quebec, and an adjunct professor at McGill University Faculty of Law. ADATH is a modern orthodox synagogue community in suburban Montreal, providing Judaism for the next generation. We take great pleasure in welcoming everyone with a warm smile, while sharing inspiration through prayer, study, and friendship.

Rabbi Whitman shares his thoughts and inspirations through online lectures and shiurim, which are available on:

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Podcast - Mining the Riches of the Parsha:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/mining-the-riches-of-the-parsha/id1479615142?fbclid=IwAR1c6YygRR6pvAKFvEmMGCcs0Y6hpmK8tXzPinbum8drqw2zLIo7c9SR-jc

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