In today’s Torah portion, Vayechi, we read the beginning of the blessings from Jacob (Israel) to his sons. In particular this year the blessing of Judah stood out to me. “Judah, your brothers shall praise you; Your hand shall be on the neck of your enemies; Your father’s sons shall bow down to you. The…
Tag: Vayechi
Parashah 12: Vayechi (He lived)
The ‘hand under the thigh’ oath was used when Abraham sent Eliezer to find a wife for Isaac. Joseph puts his hand under his father’s thigh symbolizing the covenant promise of descendants for Jacob. He wants Joseph to swear an oath that his bones will be taken back to his father’s land, the Land of Promise given to Abraham, and buried in the cave with his ancestors.