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> Genesis/Bereishis > Parshat Vayechi
Topics > Equality vs. Uniqueness
Parashat Vayechi: Equality Vs. Uniqueness
(this sermon was not
delivered by Rabbi Finkelstein in 1998 due to the
birth of his son, Natan, that Shabbat)
Does the book of Genesis preach that we are all equal or that we are all
different? We read in this book that we all come from the same origins,
from Adam and Eve. However, some people did distinguish themselves, such
as Avraham. But Avraham embraced other human beings as if they
were as great or greater than he.
Many people in Genesis are rejected from the Abrahamic family such as
Ishmael and Esav. This week each tribe receives his blessing. Finally, in
the end of this book, every individual can be included in the scheme of
things. Every individual finds his or her place. This is a happy ending
for the book of Genesis. The question is, if they each received an
individual blessing, does that mean that some tribes are better off than
others?
On the one hand, it seems so wonderful that Jacob appreciated each tribe
for what he was. On the other hand, isn't Jacob once again stirring
jealousy and animosity? "Jacob blessed them, each according to their
blessing he blessed them." Rashi and the Midrash ask, why must it say
twice that he blessed them? They answer that although he gave each a
very different blessing, in the end, he made them all equal.
What does this mean? Did Jacob give each brother a different blessing
according to his personality and unique qualities, or did he give them
all the same blessing?
A Rabbi Peretz of Israel writes that the greatest blessing Jacob could
give is to recognize one's own traits, strengths and weaknesses. The
biggest waist of energy and time is to try to be what we cannot be.
Jacob let them know their strengths and weaknesses. With this knowledge
each could become great. We are all of one cloth, we just need the
opportunity to flower, to grow, to shine, to be the same as everyone else.
In the end, everyone can be blessed, and in the end everyone can benefit
from the blessings of each other. "Gather together, Heasfu",
Jacob said to the brothers before the blessings. The tribes can stand
together despite their differences. As we say with the conclusion of
Genesis, "Chazak chazak venitchazek. Be strong, be strong, and we
will grow yet stronger." |
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