Summary

This is the last portion in the Sefer Beresheet. Jacob lives for another 17 years in Egypt. He knows that his life is coming to an end. He formally adopts Joseph’s sons, Menasseh and Ephraim and blesses them.

On his deathbed he summons all of his sons. He describes the strengths and weakness of each of them and blesses them, depicting their future.   He then tells his sons to bury him in the Cave of Machpelah. After his death the Egyptian people mourned his passing. He was embalmed and his body, accompanied by his sons and an Egyptian procession, was returned to Canaan, where he was buried.

Upon their return to Goshen, Joseph’s brothers were fearful that now that Jacob was gone, Joseph would take revenge on them. Joseph assures them that they have no cause for alarm.

The portion, and the Book of Genesis ends with the death of Joseph, at the age of 110. On his deathbed he speaks to his brothers, and requested that his bones be taken back to the Land of Israel.

Torah Portion in English

28) Jacob lived seventeen years in the land of Egypt, so that the span of Jacob’s life came to one hundred and forty-seven years. 29) And when the time approached for Israel to die, he summoned his son Joseph and said to him, “Do me this favor, place your hand under my thigh as a pledge of your steadfast loyalty: please do not bury me in Egypt. 30) When I lie down with my fathers, take me up from Egypt and bury me in their burial-place.” He replied, “I will do as you have spoken.” 31) And he said, “Swear to me.” And he swore to him. Then Israel bowed at the head of the bed. Chapter 48 1) Some time afterward, Joseph was told, “Your father is ill.” So he took with him his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim. 2) When Jacob was told, “Your son Joseph has come to see you,” Israel summoned his strength and sat up in bed.

Getting to Know my Parasha

What Does my Parasha Say?

1. Why is the Tomb of Machpelah so important? Click here to learn more and then write up a paragraph explaining where it is and who is buried there.
2. What were the blessings that Jacob gave his sons? You can find them in Chapter 49 of Genesis. Here is a summary. Which ones are positive? Which aren’t?
3. How did the Egyptians react to Jacob’s death?
4. How old was Joseph when he died?
5. What did Joseph tell his brothers before he died?