Parashat Vayechi : When Silence Speaks Louder Than Words
- Rebetzein Chavi
- Jan 11
- 3 min read
This week is Parashat Vayechi, the conclusion of Sefer Bereishit—Chazak, chazak, v’nitchazek. As we finish the Torah, we may ask: in which area do we truly want to strengthen ourselves?
May this be Lilui Nishmas Rav Shlomo ben HaRav Yitzchak.
The Power of Speech
The number 85 in Hebrew has the gematria of peh, meaning mouth—the mouth that emits words. Hashem created the world through ma’amarot, speech. Man is distinguished from animals by koach ha-dibur, the power of speech.
Tzaddikim Who Mastered Restraint
The Midrash teaches that the six letters of Bereishit—Beit, Reish, Alef, Shin, Yud, Tav—are the initials of six tzaddikim:
Beit = Binyamin
Reish = Rachel Imeinu
Alef/Shin = Avraham/Sarah or Esther/Shaul
Yud = Yosef
Tav = Tamar
All these tzaddikim excelled in controlling their speech, showing restraint during moments of trial.
The Midrash on Silence
Chazal explain Tehilim: “toleh eretz al belimah”—the world hangs on silence (bli mah). Mi she-bolem piv—one who restrains his mouth when speaking could cause harm demonstrates true spiritual strength.
Examples of Speech Restraint
Binyamin remained silent about Yosef’s sale and later false accusations.
Rachel Imeinu kept secret signs from Leah.
Avraham Avinu said nothing at the Akeidah.
Sarah displayed restraint.
Yosef never told his father about his brothers.
Tamar remained silent until the last moment.
Lesson: True strength lies in knowing when to speak and when to remain silent.
Words and Their Consequences
Yaakov Avinu lived 147 years, instead of 180, due to words he should not have spoken.
When accused by Lavan, Yaakov said, “The one who took them shall not live,” losing 33 years.
Pharaoh asked Yaakov’s age; Yaakov’s response contained 33 words, leading to a loss of 33 years.
Yet his last 17 years in Egypt—gematria of tov—were the best, showing that teshuvah through speech is possible.
Yaakov’s Blessings and Guidance
Yaakov blesses Yosef and his sons, demonstrating teshuvah through correct speech:
Ephraim and Menashe receive portions in Eretz Yisrael.
Yaakov corrects his words to Pharaoh, acknowledging all events were for his benefit.
Each son receives personalized blessings: Reuven, Yehudah, Dan, Naftali, and more, balancing praise and guidance.
Unity as Strength
Yaakov wishes to reveal the end of exile, but the Shechinah departs. He instructs his children: “heasfu”—remain together.
The sons answer with Shema Yisrael, affirming emunah: “Kach Belibeinu. Hashem Elokeinu, Hashem Echad.”
Yaakov responds: “Baruch Shem Kevod Malchuto l’olam va’ed”, words usually said by malachim.
Yehudah: The Model King
Reuven loses the bechorah; royalty is given to Yehudah.
Yehudah’s ability to admit mistakes and do teshuvah makes him a true leader.
Leadership is rooted in middot that inspire, as seen in Yehudah’s gratitude (hoda’ah) and responsibility.
Yosef and the Power of Words
Yosef dies at 110, not 120, due to unspoken words.
When speaking about redemption, he uses “Pakod yifkod”, words of salvation beginning with peh.
Lesson: Using words correctly can help bring geulah.
Chesed: The Core of Bereishit
Sefer Bereishit begins and ends with chesed:
Torah begins with Hashem clothing Adam and Chava.
Torah ends with chesed shel emet, caring for Yosef’s coffin.
Torah teaches us to bring true kindness into the world.
A Story of Restraint and Forgiveness
A top bochur in Bnei Brak faced jealousy and false rumors.
He remained silent despite threats, learning alone for three years.
Later, a prominent Rav arranged a shidduch for him.
On his wedding day, he forgave those who wronged him, demonstrating restraint and emunah.
Conclusion
Chazak, chazak, v’nitchazek.
Parashat Vayechi teaches the power of speech, restraint, teshuvah, unity, and chesed.
May we use our words wisely and bring light, guidance, and kindness into the world.
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