Torah Daily: Daily Doses of Divine Guidance on the Parsha

# Unveiling the Unity of the Jewish People in Torah's Genealogy: Ayegash Chapter 46 Analysis

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Welcome to a journey through the lines of wisdom. Today we delve into the Thursday portion of Ayegash, chapter 46, verse eight, where we encounter a genealogical account as profound as it is puzzling. Imagine the scene: the Torah, penned by Moshe, lists the descendants of Yaakov and his sons in the present tense, as though the events are occurring right then and there. However, Moshe is recording this centuries after the fact. This curious choice of tense underscores the immediacy and relevance of Torah, transcending time.
Now, in this meticulous tally of Yaakov's family, some names are conspicuously absent. Why? Because the individuals, such as Er and Onan, had departed this world in the land of Canaan and thus were not among those who descended to Egypt. The census reflects not only a headcount but a tapestry of relationships—mothers linked with sons, fathers with daughters.
Rashi, the insightful commentator, zeroes in on the number 66, the count of those who journeyed to Egypt. This figure excludes the households of Er and Onan, for they are no more. It's a count of the living, those present to face the challenges and opportunities of a new land.
And within this enumeration lies a deeper truth, a closing message that Rashi imparts: the Jewish people, though scattered across the globe, are intrinsically one. Regardless of number or location, they are a singular people, united in spirit and heritage. This unity is the heartbeat of the Jewish nation, the pulse that has sustained them through the ages.
As we reflect on this message, we carry with us the reminder of our shared bond, the collective journey that began with our ancestors and continues with us today.
This podcast was produced and sponsored by Daniel Aharonoff.