Vayechi: Jacob, Joseph, and Nelson

How do you leave a legacy of greatness? As we all mourn the passing of Nelson Mandela this week, and marvel at the impact one man had on his country, and indeed the entire world, we can't help but ponder this 

question. If you knew Nelson Mandela at age 4, or 14, or in prison at 44, do you think you could have imagined that he'd become such a world leader? As we watched his funeral this week, despite being distracted by handshakes, fake sign language, and selfies, we were all given an opportunity to think about what our own legacy will be - and could be - when we are someday remembered for the life we led and the choices we made.

Not surprisingly, our Torah portion this week gives us a similar opportunity to reflect on what people leave behind after they die. 
The parashah is fittingly titled 'Vayechi,' meaning 'And he lived.' In context, it is referring to the life of our ancestor Jacob, but indeed BOTH Jacob and Joseph die in this week's Torah portion, so we are afforded the chance to review the legacy of both men, and to compare and contrast the values that they represented.

Jacob died with many regrets. He deceived his brother and his father; he favored one wife over another; then one son over the others; and he really struggled in many of his relationships with the people in his life. Even on his deathbed, many of the so-called blessings he offered his sons expressed disappointment, pent-up anger, and frustration. So much was 

unresolved for him, and thus his legacy is also turbulent and conflicted. Joseph, meanwhile, also made unwise decisions as a child. But, like Nelson Mandela, he grew and matured throughout the course of his life. Perhaps, just like Mandela, prison was a place for Joseph to take stock, to reevaluate priorities, and to really treasure all that life has to offer, and which most of us take for granted. At the end of Joseph's life, he asks only that his descendants bring his bones back to Israel when they someday leave Egypt. He has no other requests or concerns; lingering frustrations or gnawing regrets. Joseph dies at peace.

Perhaps the greatest lesson that each of us can learn from all three deaths is that anyone can leave a legacy of greatness. Jacob and Joseph were simple, humble people, living before any historical records were really kept. One poor decision, and either man might have been lost in the annals of time. And yet, 

we still read their stories today. Nelson Mandela, meanwhile, grew up tending herds as a cattle-boy, with two illiterate parents. Who could have imagined that any of these three individuals would become household names around the world? Their stories should inspire our own. We too can make a difference in the world, and leave our mark for people to talk about in generations to come. On some level, perhaps, all three were chosen by a Higher Power. But they also chose themselves. They made their own destiny. Now it's our turn.

Photos in this blog post:

1. CC image courtesy of The US Congress on Wikimedia Commons

2. CC image courtesy of Utilisateur:Djampa on Wikimedia Commons

3. CC image courtesy of Liam Quinn on Wikimedia Commons

4. CC image courtesy of Steve Evans on Wikimedia Commons