Shabbat Shalom The weekly parsha commentary – parshat (link to original page) Parshat Vayechi "He crossed his arms" – as its translation (in Targum) 'Achaminun" – with understanding and wisdom he knowingly crossed his hands, for he knew that the firstborn was Menashe, and even so, he did not place his right hand upon him. (Rashi, Bereishit 48:14) "Crossed his arms" – as in 'sachal' – referring to a crooked and twisted person. (Rashbam, Bereishit, ibid.) "Crossed his hands;" He understood through touch, without looking." (Sforno, ibid.) "Crossed his hands, for Menashe was the firstborn" – there are those...

Shabbat Shalom The weekly parsha commentary – parshat Vayechi (link to original page) Parshat Vayechi Simeon and Levi: Similar but still Different. By Yaakov Deutsch If we follow the annals of Simeon and his tribe in the Bible, we cannot help but notice their bitter fate. When Joseph suspects the brothers of spying and wishes to imprison one of them until they bring their younger brother, he takes Simeon (Genesis 42:24). One of the princes of the tribe of Simeon, Zimri the son of Salu, is he who sinned with the Midianite princess in front of Moses and the...