Parshat Vayyechi: Gen Ch. 49:28. All these are the twelve tribes of Israel, and this is what their father spoke to them and blessed them, every one according to his blessing he blessed them.”Reading Jacob’s deathbed pronouncements to his sons can be troubling. We call these blessings, but many of the statements seem harsh, even belittling. In what way can we see these statements as blessings? Assuming that these were accurate assessments of each son, and assuming that Jacob delivered the statements without blame, perhaps the value is in having someone see you accurately and clearly. Being seen completely by another person can be uncomfortable, but it is also intimate and, in some ways, freeing. It is a great gift when someone sees us and accepts us as we are.
May we be blessed to see clearly and accept our whole selves, just the way we are. And from that acceptance, may we grow.
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