As our patriarch, Jacob, lies on his deathbed he looks out at his family. He gives each of his sons a final blessing. He takes care to choose words that describe each of his sons, and the successes and accomplishments of their lives. For some of his sons the results are quite flattering: like Naphtali who is blessed with the speed of a deer. For others, the results are less so: like Shimon and Levi who are chastised for their angry impulses.
The name of the Torah Portion, Vayehi literally means “and he lived.” In this moment we see Jacob taking stock not only on how he himself lived his life, but also how his sons have been living theirs. While Jacob knows that he does not have any more time to make different choices or new plans, his sons still have time left. Perhaps these cryptic blessings are meant as a reminder to Jacob’s sons to assess the lives they have been living.
As American Jews, we celebrate two New Years – one religious, one secular. This gives us multiple opportunities to check in on our on Vayehi moments – to consider how it is that we have been living, and to assess whether or not we want to continue on this path or make some adjustments.
Whether we made ‘typical’ New Year’s Resolutions like a pledge to lose five pounds or continued in the vein of cheshbon hanefesh (an accounting of the soul) as we do on the High Holy Days, Parashat Vayehi reminds us that just one week into the new year it isn’t too early to check and see how we’re doing. Have we already begun to slip, or are we still keeping the promises that we made to ourselves first on Rosh Hashanah, and again on New Year's Eve?
Assessing our lives, checking in on who we are and if we are living up to our best selves is not a once or twice per year responsibility. It is upon us each day to reach our true selves, living lives that are worthy of blessing.
In the back and forth of our daily responsibilities it is important that we have these set moments to look back and review, then reflect on the changes that we make. Let us take ownership of our Vayehi moments, sculpting lives that we can sum up in a sentence with pride. By checking in with ourselves not once each year, or even twice each year, but regularly: this is how we give ourselves chances to change, to grow, and to thrive. So now that 2012 is under way and there are no more New Year’s in sight, how are you living?
Rabbi Sara Mason-Barkin
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