The Talmud teaches us that Yaakov never died. Even though upon his ‘death’ he was embalmed, still the Talmud bases its conclusion upon a verse that clearly states that he did not die. Therefore, it is very puzzling when we read that the days of Yaakov were drawing close to their end and he was about to die.

The two most powerful brothers now collide in this exchange between Yosef and Yehuda. Yehuda senses that the ruler of Egypt is not interested in honoring his commitment to release his brother to head back to their father and he is apparently incensed. Even so, he approaches Yosef in a most fascinating manner and requests to speak into ‘the ears’ of his master, referring to Yosef. He could simply have whispered to Yosef and kept his comments private and not voiced them to the entire court of advisers present at this audience. However, this choice of words is unusual and requires an explanation.

We are in the middle of this wonderful Yom Tov called Chanukah. And we know that we light the Menorah for eight nights to publicize the miracle that took place at that time. The powerful Greek army was destroyed by a ragtag group that were not true soldiers and then we were unable to find pure oil with which to kindle the Menorah.

Yaakov endured many trials and tribulations during his lifetime. He had to escape from Eisav and the twenty years he spent with Lavan were not a pleasant experience. Furthermore, Dinah was ravaged by Shechem and the ensuing violent response of his two sons Shimon and Levi endangered the fledgling nation in its infantile stage of development.

After many long years of toil and aggravation at Lavan’s house, Yaakov finally begins his trek back to his parents. However, enroute he encounters his nemesis, Eisav who is prepared to wage war against him. Yaakov sends him gifts to assuage his anger that he took the blessings away from him.