2023/5783
Parashat VaYechi's Haftarah, a poignant selection from the second chapter of Sefer Melachim, tells the story of David HaMelech delivering his final instructions to his son and successor, Shlomo. In reading this story, one cannot help but think of the parallel image of Yaakov Avinu, delivering his own set of deathbed instructions, messages, and Berachot for his sons and family. There can be little doubt that this similarity played a role in Chazal's decision to choose this particular Haftorah for Parashat VaYechi.
However, a closer look at David's choice of final words reveals that they seem to have a somewhat different style than Yaakov's. David HaMelech focuses on advice and instructions to Shlomo. Be strong, be a man. Take care of those who treated me well, the Bnei Barzilai. Make sure to follow the Torah and Mitzvot. Act wisely in dealing with those who cannot be trusted, and who may pose a threat to your kingship. Blessings do not seem to be David's focus, except to the extent David quotes Hashem's earlier promise to grant Shlomo prosperity and an extended kingship should Shlomo follow in the ways of the Torah.
Yaakov Avinu, by contrast, devotes the majority of VaYechi his attention to giving "Berachot,” blessings, to his children and grandchildren. But what is meant by the term Berachot, both in the Torah in general and, more specifically, when describing what Yaakov did in this week's Parashah? Although it is difficult to determine the precise meaning of the term Berachah as used in the Torah, it seems there are at least three elements to it. First, as is the case with any modern blessing, a Berachah is an expression of hope and desire for a certain positive outcome. Second, and perhaps unique to the blessings found in Tanach, a Biblical Berachah comes with a predictive element. This can be seen here as Yaakov gathers his children, saying, "ויקרא יעקב אל־בניו ויאמר האספו ואגידה לכם את אשר־יקרא אתכם באחרית הימים,” “Gather, and I will tell you what will happen to you at the end of days" (BeReishit 49:1). Third, it seems there is some level of commandment and instruction contained within a Berachah, as Yaakov at times seems to divide up roles and inheritances among his children and grandchildren within these blessings. One powerful example of this can be found in the Ramban's commentary on Yehudah's blessing, in which he asserts that the Levite Hasmonean Kings who ruled over the Jewish people during Bayit Sheini were punished for "violating" Yaakov Avinu's blessing to Yehudah, in which Yaakov had declared that the leadership of the Jewish people was Yehudah’s dominion. In any case, it seems clear that while David HaMelech and Yaakov Avinu may have both delivered powerful parting words to their offspring, the manner in which they conveyed them was not quite the same.
Despite this difference in style between David and Yaakov, both the commandments of Dovid and the Berachot of Yaakov may have at least share one underappreciated element. After describing Yaakov Avinu's Berachot to the Shevatim, the Torah concludes with the seemingly unnecessary phrase, "ויברך אותם איש אשר כברכתו ברך אתם,” “Each one according to his blessing, he blessed them" (49:28). What is the Torah adding with this phrase? Rashi and many others explain that Yaakov saw the future and blessed each of his children according to what was destined to happen to their descendants. However, Rav Yerucham Levovitz is cited as presenting an alternate approach that may add a fourth element to the meaning of Berachah. Rav Levovitz states that Yaakov blessed each child in accordance with their unique individual talents, "each one according to his blessing." The Berachot that Yaakov Avinu gave to each son were not chosen in a vacuum but were reflective of the special talents and capabilities that each son already had. In delivering his blessings, Yaakov sought to bring to light those talents, and help each tribe, both emotionally and metaphysically, to see what special talents they could contribute to the Jewish people.
Upon closer inspection, David HaMelech's instructions to Shlomo emphasize a similar theme. In discussing how to approach Yo’av, David tells Shlomo, "ועשית כחכמתך,” “And you should act in accordance with your wisdom," a statement both acknowledging and expressing hope and confidence in Shlomo's wisdom and talent for political acumen (Melachim 1 2:6). A few verses later, in describing how to treat Shimmi Ben Gera, David again expresses to Shlomo, "כי איש חכם אתה וידעת את אשר תעשה־לו,” “You are a smart man, and you will know what to do with him" (ibid 2:9). In both these places, David didn't just give instructions to Shlomo, but reminded Shlomo of his abilities and talents, and expressed confidence that he would use them for the sake of his kingdom and the Jewish people.
Often, the greatest blessing that one can give to another person is to help them realize the talents and abilities that they already have. This was emphasized by both Yaakov Avinu and David HaMelech and remains true today for parents, educators, and anyone looking to help us all become the best versions of ourselves that we can be.