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“The Reunion of Jacob & Joseph: An Immortal Lesson about Love”
(updated and revised from Vayigash 5760-1999)

After 22 years of mourning for his lost son, the rabbis state that when Jacob and Joseph are reunited, Jacob could not kiss his son because he was reciting the Shema prayer. What was the reason for Jacob’s odd behavior? Couldn’t he have prayed before or after the reunion with his son?

"A Lesson from the N'seeim--the Tribal Leaders"

The fact that the Torah dwells at great length on the gifts of the tribal Princes should serve as a clue that there is much for us to learn from this particular Torah portion and from the behavior of the Princes, as well as from the actions of Moses and Aaron.

"A Lesson from the N’seeim--the Tribal Leaders"

The fact that the Torah dwells at great length on the gifts of the tribal princes should serve as a clue for us that there is much to be learned from this Torah portion and from the behavior of the princes, as well as from the actions of Moses and Aaron.

"The Reunion of Jacob & Joseph: An Immortal Lesson About Love"

After 22 years of mourning for his lost son, the rabbis say that when Jacob and Joseph are reunited, Jacob could not kiss his son because he was reciting the Shema prayer. What was the reason for Jacob's odd behavior? Couldn't he have prayed before or after the reunion with his son?