Opening Our Eyes

How is this Torah portion different from all the others?

Usually, there is a gap of open white space in the Torah scroll between the end of one portion and the beginning of the next.  In the case of Parshat Vayechi, however, there is no space whatsoever between the conclusion of last week’s reading and this week’s beginning.  This phenomenon is called “s’tumah,” closed or sealed in Hebrew.

Why?

Rashi quotes two possibilities from the Midrash.

1)  This portion is “closed” because it records the beginning of the exile.  Yaacov’s death represents the “closing of the eyes of the Jewish people.”  To symbolize this sad occurrence, the usual space is missing.  

2)  There is a tradition that Yaakov intended to inform his children of the timing of the final redemption.  He hoped that, in this way, the Jewish people would not lose hope throughout the Egyptian slavery and, especially, subsequent exiles (including our own).  God, though, had other plans and “closed Jacob’s eyes” so that he would not be able to reveal this information.

Rashi’s second answer has particular relevance to all of us as we are living during the long exile to which he alludes.  It is also relevant during times of “darkness,” when we feel things aren’t going our way or in the right direction.  Being in such a situation can be compared to having our eyes closed.  There is something interfering with our vision.

Maybe we need to open our eyes.  Maybe redemption and better times come when we try to see it.

We don’t have a magic formula for how to bring about the redemption, but by recognizing the positive events in our times, we may be able to get closer to it.  

Rabbi Soloveitchik referred to the establishment of the State of Israel as “God knocking on our door.”  Do we hear this call and respond in the affirmative? That, says, the Rav, is our challenge.

Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the late Lubavitcher Rebbe, pointed to the fall of the Soviet Union as a sign that redemption is near.  It allowed Jews to resume Jewish lives for the first time in almost a century.  It also changed Jewish life in America through the influx of immigrants. 

There are all sorts of positives in the world today.  Think about the growth and prominence of Jewish life in America today.  Look at the advances in science, technology, health care, and more.  The Cubs have even won a World Series! J  There are plenty of signs that we are headed in the right direction.  We just need to open our eyes and expand our vision.

The Jewish tradition strongly endorses the “ikveta d’meshicha,” a messianic era.  It may take time, but, to get things started, we need to try and remove the covering over our eyes and see, despite the many challenges, how great things are today.