In this week’s Parsha, Parashat ‘Vayechi’, Yaakov—the “man of continuation”, completes his chapter in the biblical story. Yet, his end also marks a new beginning: the conclusion of Yaakov’s story and the beginning of the ‘Israel story’.
Yaakov’s life was anything but simple. As he himself states in last week’s Parsha, “The years of my sojourn have been few and difficult” (Genesis 47:9). Yet, despite the hardships, the mission was fulfilled.
What was Jacob’s ultimate goal? What is his story truly about?
As we began, Yacov is the man of continuity. His grandfather Avraham was the pioneer—the trailblazer who swam against the current. Avraham was the first to ignite the light of faith and divine knowledge in a world shrouded in idolatry and moral decay. He was the first to declare, “HINENI” – “Here I am.”
Yitzhak followed, another giant of faith—a direct conduit continuing Avraham’s legacy. We see Yitzhak re-digging the same wells, naming them as his father did, and following a similar path of devotion and calling out in God’s name.
Then comes Yacov, the third link in the chain—the one who transforms this movement into permanence. From this point on, it is no longer a single person’s initiative or a passing trend.
It is clear to all of us that continuing a path is often way more challenging than beginning one. How many times have I started an important habit or practice, only to abandon it after a short while? If something does not become permanent, it disappears.
Yaakov understood that it was now his turn. If he did not solidify his ancestors’ path, it would fade away. This was his ultimate mission. However, there was another vital condition for the vision to materialize—a community, a nation. Yacov was the actual founder of “Am-Yisrael”, forming twelve tribes—twelve families who would grow into the people of Israel.
This explains why Jacob’s critical concern, as highlighted at the start of the Parsha: “Do not bury me in Egypt—let me rest with my fathers.” Later, he blesses Yoseph’s sons, saying, “May my name and the names of my fathers, Avraham and Yitzhak, be remembered through them.” Yaakov reminds Yoseph not to forget the mission, the vision, and the purpose for which they exist—to continue the path of Avraham and Yitzhak, to call upon God’s name, to be a chosen nation, and, ultimately, to dwell in the Promised Land.
Yaakov’s focus is on the future—on passing the torch and building a nation.
As I write these lines, I cannot help but hear the echo of words spoken by my late friend, Shay Shamriz HY”D, may his memory be blessed: “There is one nation that, throughout history, others have sought to destroy. In every generation, there have been those who stood up and declared, ‘HINENI-Here I am.’ They said, ‘We are the shield of this nation. Now it’s our turn to raise up our head and call out HINENI.’”
Shay Shamriz, was a friend from my hometown of Achuzat Etrog – Merkaz Shapira. He was killed in Gaza on the 14th of Tevet, exactly one year ago, at the age of 26. This week we will be attending his “Azkara”.
Shay began his military service in the elite Duvdevan unit and later advanced to become a commander and officer. He was killed as a company commander in the Nachal Brigade, 931st Battalion, alongside his close friend, Shauli Greenlik HY”D. Thanks to Shay’s professional judgment, a far greater tragedy, which could have claimed the lives of many of his soldiers, was averted.
The words I quoted earlier were spoken by Shay in an impromptu speech just five days after 7/10, on the eve of entering Gaza. His soldiers testified that they felt complete confidence going into battle with Shay leading them. Even after his death, Shay’s spirit continued to inspire and lead his troops to fight courageously in his spirit.
Shay embodied the traits of “Adino Ha’etzni”—a man both gentle and resolute. He was humble, kind-hearted, and approachable, someone people sought for advice. At the same time, he was a professional, focused, and decisive warrior. Shay often told his soldiers, “If someone is needed, be that someone.” That’s who he was—a man who stood wherever was needed.
The story of our forefather Yacov and the legacy of the patriarchs find direct and profound expression in Shay’s character.
You, our forefathers, declared, “HINENI-Here I am.” Now, we, your children, declare, “HINENI-Here we are.” We continue your tradition, remain devoted to our land, and continuing what you started – building our nation, Am Yisrael.
In memory of Shay ben Shaul and Daniela, may his memory be blessed.
To learn more about Shay, visit: https://shayshamriz.com/
For my weekly one-minute video featuring an insight from the Parsha in memory of Shay, may his memory be blessed. Feel free to search: #שי_מהפרשה
