Vayechi Fasting, Speech, and Redemption

Good morning, everyone. I'm sending this message earlier as tomorrow, Asara B'Tevet, marks a significant fast day. May this message bring reflection and be a source of Yeshua for all those in need, especially the hostages, soldiers, and all who are imprisoned.

The Fast of Asara B'Tevet

Asara B'Tevet, commemorating the siege of Jerusalem leading to the First Beit Hamikdash's destruction, is unique:

• We fast directly into Shabbat, breaking the fast only at Kiddush.

• While it's arranged never to fall on Shabbat in our calendar, its intensity is akin to Yom Kippur; if it did, we would fast.

• This fast prompts us to examine what truly caused destruction and what can bring redemption.

The Power of Speech in Parshat Vayechi

This week's Parasha, Vayechi, ends Bereishit with 85 psukim, alluding to "Peh" (mouth). This highlights the immense power of speech:

• Yaakov Avinu lived 33 fewer years because he used 33 words of complaint to Pharaoh ("At Ve'Raim"). Each word cost him a year of life, showing the impact of negative speech.

• Yosef Hatzadik lost 10 years for not correcting his brothers when they disrespectfully referred to Yaakov as "Avdecha" (your servant).

• Conversely, Yosef's final words to his brothers were "Pakod Yifkod" (He will surely remember you), using words of hope and promise for future redemption.

• Our words have the power to create good or cause loss.

Connecting Ancient Sins to Modern Character

The First Beit Hamikdash was destroyed due to Avodah Zarah (idolatry), Gilui Arayot (immorality), and Shfichat Damim (murder). Chazal teach that these stem from deep character flaws still relevant today:

• Avodah Zarah can manifest as worshipping money, power, technology, or values that supersede Hashem's will. It's a lack of emunah.

• Shfichat Damim often originates from Kinah (jealousy), as seen with Kayin and Eisav.

• Gilui Arayot stems from Ta'avah (lust/desire).

• These three - Kinah, Ta'avah, and Kavod (pride/arrogance) - distance us from a true Torah life.

The Day of Divine Decree

Asara B'Tevet is profoundly significant:

• It commemorates the day Yosef was sold and Yaakov was buried – events marked by Sinat Achim (brotherly hatred).

• Chazal teach that on Asara B'Tevet, HaKadosh Baruch Hu sits in Heaven to decide when the Beit Hamikdash will be rebuilt. It's a day for divine decree.

• To merit the rebuilding, we must actively work on improving our middot and bringing ahavat chinam (baseless love) into the world.

Lessons from Yaakov's Life and Legacy

Yaakov's last 17 years in Egypt were his best, a period of unity (Tov = 17). This strengthened the family for the coming exile.

Before his passing, Yaakov's Teshuvah for his "At Ve'Raim" words is seen in his declaration to Yosef: "HaElokim Haro'eh Oti" (God Who has shepherded me) and "HaMalach HaGoel Oti MiKol Ra" (The Angel who redeems me from all evil). He recognized that HaKol L'Tova (everything is for the good), even if we don't understand it now. This is a message of enduring emunah even in challenging times.

Yaakov's blessing to Ephraim and Menashe, "Yesimcha Elokim Ke'Ephraim V'ChiMenashe" (May God make you like Ephraim and Menashe), emphasizes:

• Craving Torah: Like fish crave water, Yaakov blessed his descendants with a deep desire for Torah.

• Unity: He crossed his hands to bless them equally, fostering ahavat achim (brotherly love) and preventing jealousy, a core blessing for future generations.

At his end, Yaakov sought to reveal when Mashiach would come, but Hashem prevented him. Instead, he stressed unity as the key to overcoming exile: "Be together... retain this strength. And that is the way you shall overcome all challenges." The children's response, "Shema Yisrael... Hashem Echad," and Yaakov's reply, "Baruch Shem Kevod Malchuto L'Olam Va'Ed," embody this message of hope and unity, even in the darkest times.

A Story of Trust

A young man in a Kollel desperately needed 2,000 Shekel for Yom Tov. His friend and even the Rosh Kollel couldn't help him. Despite disappointment, he didn't become bitter but continued learning and davening.

Unbeknownst to him, a Kollel supporter in London was watching via video. Seeing the young man's dedication despite his apparent need, the supporter called the Rosh Kollel and instructed him to give the young man 10,000 Shekel as a gift. The young man realized that his trust in Hashem, without bitterness or questioning, led to a far greater blessing.

Have a wonderful Shabbos, an easy fast, and may we merit the rebuilding of the Beit Hamikdash speedily in our days.