Vayechi
"An evil man is dead even while alive, a righteous man lives long after he dies."
1. This week's parshah describes the last day of Jacob's life. We are told that Jacob did not die he was gathered into his people.
2.What does it mean that Jacob did not die?
* On the day my son Jacob was born I had lunch with my grandfather at the hospital. He was born in 1925, in his youth he did the copper riveting for the atomic bomb, in my youth I had watched some Simpsons reruns. I always enjoy speaking with him because he is my connection to WW II and Americas past. He was part of "The Greatest Generation".
3. In this week's parshah a transition takes place, the narrative shifts from an individual story to a communal story. We no longer hear the stories of an individual or clan we learn of the fate of an entire nation. Grandparents are a uniquely human endeavor, no animal has a relationship with its grandchildren. A grandparent's experience is a vital link in the chain of transmission, Jacob was Abraham's grandchild carrying on his tradition.
The idea that mathematical calculations could be mechanized changed the world forever. Charles Babbage is considered the Grandfather of modern computing. He invented the first programmable mechanical computer but never completed his work. Most of his design is what we use today as a basic computer. His son completed six of his difference machines after he passed away. Most impressive was the working printer he designed as well, all of this done in the 1820's !
"I dont want to achieve immortality through my work, I want to achieve it through not dying" - Woody Allen
4. In order to achieve immortality you must transcend yourself. Everyone’s physical body decays and dies. In order to live beyond your body you must "be gathered into your people". We live through the community we establish and the family we create. That is why Jacob never died, his community, his family, is still alive.
Every time a computer turns on Charles Babbage lives, and every time someone teaches Torah to their children Jacob lives. All mankind is connected to each other through the chain of history. The link between Grandparents and grandchildren is essential for the continuity of a community.
Jacob blessed his children as well as his grandchildren. The transmission of history is a holy endeavor, our souls are bound up to it and through it. Speak to your grandparents or the elderly about their life experiences, you will understand a little more about yourself, your community and life.
1. This week's parshah describes the last day of Jacob's life. We are told that Jacob did not die he was gathered into his people.
2.What does it mean that Jacob did not die?
* On the day my son Jacob was born I had lunch with my grandfather at the hospital. He was born in 1925, in his youth he did the copper riveting for the atomic bomb, in my youth I had watched some Simpsons reruns. I always enjoy speaking with him because he is my connection to WW II and Americas past. He was part of "The Greatest Generation".
3. In this week's parshah a transition takes place, the narrative shifts from an individual story to a communal story. We no longer hear the stories of an individual or clan we learn of the fate of an entire nation. Grandparents are a uniquely human endeavor, no animal has a relationship with its grandchildren. A grandparent's experience is a vital link in the chain of transmission, Jacob was Abraham's grandchild carrying on his tradition.
The idea that mathematical calculations could be mechanized changed the world forever. Charles Babbage is considered the Grandfather of modern computing. He invented the first programmable mechanical computer but never completed his work. Most of his design is what we use today as a basic computer. His son completed six of his difference machines after he passed away. Most impressive was the working printer he designed as well, all of this done in the 1820's !
"I dont want to achieve immortality through my work, I want to achieve it through not dying" - Woody Allen
4. In order to achieve immortality you must transcend yourself. Everyone’s physical body decays and dies. In order to live beyond your body you must "be gathered into your people". We live through the community we establish and the family we create. That is why Jacob never died, his community, his family, is still alive.
Every time a computer turns on Charles Babbage lives, and every time someone teaches Torah to their children Jacob lives. All mankind is connected to each other through the chain of history. The link between Grandparents and grandchildren is essential for the continuity of a community.
Jacob blessed his children as well as his grandchildren. The transmission of history is a holy endeavor, our souls are bound up to it and through it. Speak to your grandparents or the elderly about their life experiences, you will understand a little more about yourself, your community and life.
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