Welcome to the last portion of the book of Genesis! On the surface Portion VaYechi may seem less exciting than the ones from the previous weeks. But as one dives deeper there are whispers of prophecy and hints of mysticism to be found.

As Jacob senses his life is ending, he makes his son Joseph swear to bury him in the Land of Israel. Tradition holds that he then explained to Joseph exactly why his mother Rachel had to be buried near Bethlehem and not in the family burial cave of Machpelah. It is said that Jacob understood the role that Rachel’s burial place had yet to play in the story of the Children of Israel.

Even now the Jeremiah 3:15-17 verses inspire weary Israelis as they pray and hope for the return of their hostages. “They will return from the land of the enemy. So there is hope for your descendants,” declares the LORD. “Yo ...