| Yaacov lived in Egypt for seventeen years (Bereishit 47:28).
Rashi explains that this parashah, Vayechi, is written as a continuation of the previous parashah, Vayigash. This suggests that when Yaacov Avinu passed away, the hearts and eyes of Klal Yisrael were "closed"—symbolizing the suffering that began with his death and the subsequent enslavement in Egypt.
Yet, the verse says, "Yaacov lived in Egypt". This seems paradoxical. Shouldn't the verse have said that upon Yaacov’s death, "the eyes and hearts of Klal Yisrael were blocked"? Why emphasize that Yaacov lived?
Hashem had told Klal Yisrael, "You shall be to Me a special treasure above all nations" (Shemot 19:5), just as light is superior to darkness. The "seventy souls" of Israel who descended into Egypt carried with them a holiness that elevated even the seventy impure nations, bringing them closer to their spiritual roots. In this way, the holy sparks of Klal Yisrael are like light, lifting all things higher, just as light is always superior to darkness.
As long as Yaacov was alive, his sanctity uplifted Klal Yisrael, enveloping them in Divine light. But with his passing, the darkness that followed revealed the profound contrast of his holiness. The suffering that began after his death marked the loss of that light, and the emptiness left behind became even more apparent.
Today: When you recite the Shema Yisrael, take a moment to reflect on the power and light of your inner holiness. Just as Yaacov’s presence illuminated his family, so too does your inner sanctity shine, even in times of challenge. (Based on the commentary of the Bat Eiyan)
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