OU TORAH NAALEH.COM and YU TORAH Core Connection By Shira Smiles
Arguably, the most memorable parts of Parshat Veyechi are Yaakov Avinu’s blessings to his grandchildren and then to his sons who would form the twelve tribes. Yet, as Yaakov Avinu calls to his eldest son Reuven (followed by Shimon and Levi), he seems not to be blessing him, but to be recalling past infractions and meting out punishment: “Reuven, you are my firstborn, my strength and my initial vigor, foremost in rank and foremost in power. Water-like impetuosity – you cannot be foremost, because you mounted your father’s bed…” Reuven should have been recognized as firstborn, and was also meant to receive the priesthood and the monarchy, both of which he lost to other tribes. How is this a blessing, asks Rabbi Weissblum in Heorat Derech? This seems to be more of a rebuke and a punishment than a blessing. What had Reuven done to warrant this rebuke?
Arguably, the most memorable parts of Parshat Veyechi are Yaakov Avinu’s blessings to his grandchildren and then to his sons who would form the twelve tribes. Yet, as Yaakov Avinu calls to his eldest son Reuven (followed by Shimon and Levi), he seems not to be blessing him, but to be recalling past infractions and meting out punishment: “Reuven, you are my firstborn, my strength and my initial vigor, foremost in rank and foremost in power. Water-like impetuosity – you cannot be foremost, because you mounted your father’s bed…” Reuven should have been recognized as firstborn, and was also meant to receive the priesthood and the monarchy, both of which he lost to other tribes. How is this a blessing, asks Rabbi Weissblum in Heorat Derech? This seems to be more of a rebuke and a punishment than a blessing. What had Reuven done to warrant this rebuke?
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