Parashat Vayechi – Summary

Introduction

Parashat Vayechi draws the patriarchal era to a close with Yaakov's messages and instructions to his sons before his death.
Yaakov on His Deathbed – The Parashah begins at the end of Chapter 47 with Yosef being summoned to Yaakov's bedside to take an oath that he will bury Yaakov in Canaan.
Ephraim and Menashe Receive Tribal Status – In Chapter 48, Yaakov confers tribal status upon Yosef's two sons, Menashe and Ephraim. Yaakov prophesies that both sons will achieve greatness but that Ephraim will surpass his older brother.
Yaakov Blesses His Sons – In Chapter 49, Yaakov blesses each of his sons before his death. His last act is to instruct them to bury him in the Cave of Machpelah.
Yaakov's Death and Burial – Chapter 50 describes how following the mourning period for Yaakov, an Egyptian entourage accompanies Yosef and his brothers back to Canaan to bury Yaakov. Upon their return to Egypt, Yosef reassures his brothers that he bears them no grudge. The Parashah and Sefer Bereshit conclude with Yosef's death at the age of 110 and his charge to his brothers to bring his bones back to the land of Israel.