Vayechi (1): Gaining Direction

Parshas Vayechi is unique in thaat it is a Parsha Stumah - a sealed Parsha. This means that the normal spaces, the "openings" that seperate different Parshios are absent and the Parsha is shut.

Rashi offers two explanations as two why this is so. The first is because the hearts and eyes of the Jews were "shut-down" from the pain and pressure of the exile. The second is because of an incident later in the Parsha. Yaakov Avinu attempts to reveal the end of days to his children and as he began, his prophetic flow was sealed up and was hidden from him.

What is insufficient with each explanation that Rashi felt the need to bring the other? Why both? R' Itcheh Mayer Morgenstern Shlit"a suggests that these two answers are really inter-dependant on one another.

Rav Morgenstern Shlit"a, Rosh
HaYeshiva of Toras Chochom

The Geulah allows for the Jewish people to fully fulfill their Tafkid in the world. Our job is to be Megaleh Kvod Shamayim, to serve as a conduit for the Granduer of the Almighty. As long as there is sin in the structure of the Jewish people we cannot be a pure channel for this revelation and thus the Geulah isn't possible. Redemption requires repentance.

The same is true on the microcosmic level for each Jew individually. Each Yid is connected to one facet of the greater framework of Gilui Kvod Shamayim - a special and unique mission. But so many people wander through life not knowing what that job is. It is only through and internal cleanse can one begin to hear what is being told to him. Only through the purity of Teshuvah will one come in contact with his Tafkid. It requires purity of mind and soul.

As we learn in Kriyas Shema, the eyes and heart are the agents of sin. The heart desires what the eyes seek out and Aveiros are thus carries out. As a result of being in Mitzrayim, the eyes and hearts of the Jewish people were "sealed" from Kedusha, and through being so led astray Yaakov was no longer able to be Migaleh the Keitz, the end of days; how the Jewish people individually and collectively will manifest their Tafkid of Gilui Kvod Shamayim.