Vayechi

Where Does Ya'akov Live?

Rabbi Shefa Gold

Parshat Vayechi introduces its account of the last days of Ya'akov's life with the words "Ya'akov lived." When Ya'kov does die, Torah uses the euphemism, "he was gathered into his people." But for many readers, this is not a mere euphemism. Ya'kov has been gathered into us, we who call ourselves the bnei Yisrael, children of Yisrael!

In a moment of spiritual transformation, after wrestling with an angel on the banks of the river Yabbok, Ya'akov receives a new name. He is told by the angel, "Your name shall no longer be Ya'akov, but Yisrael, for you have striven with beings divine and human and you have prevailed." (Bereisheet/Genesis 32:29) But as the Torah's story unfolds, he never quite gives up his old name. He is sometimes called Ya'akov and sometimes called Yisrael.

Hidden in this double name is a profound teaching about the nature of spiritual transformation. Each of us in our Ya'akov mode might be aware of negative qualities that seem to be wired into our personalities. In our Yisrael mode, we commit to spiritual practice and experience expanded consciousness. Yet our Ya'akov never goes away. Through our practice we learn how to manage the Ya'akov voice, and to have compassion for the fears and worries that drive it.

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