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What does it mean that Yaakov Avinu never died? The Gemara (גמרא) in Ta'anis states literally that Yaakov lo meis, which Rashi (רש"י) understands as physically true—they mistakenly embalmed him thinking he was dead. The shiur develops that Yaakov's continued life means Hashem (ה׳)'s covenant is with Yaakov himself, not merely his descendants; when Klal Yisrael is redeemed, Yaakov is being redeemed, making us literally part of him still in galus.
This shiur explores one of the most enigmatic statements in Chazal: the Gemara (גמרא) in Ta'anis that declares "Yaakov Avinu lo meis"—Yaakov our forefather did not die. The shiur begins by examining the structure of Parshas Vayechi, noting that the account of Yaakov's death and burial appears under the heading of Binyamin's blessing, which seems structurally misplaced. Additionally, there is an extensive elaboration about the exact location of Me'aras HaMachpelah at the end of the parsha, which would have been more appropriate when Yaakov first commanded Yosef to bury him there at the beginning of the parsha. The Gemara in Ta'anis presents a dialogue where Rabbi Yochanan says Yaakov Avinu never died, and his student questions this, pointing out that they embalmed him, eulogized him, and buried him. Rabbi Yochanan responds that he is expounding a verse: "Do not fear, Yaakov My servant, says Hashem (ה׳), for I will save you from afar and your children from the land of their captivity." Just as his descendants are alive, so too is Yaakov alive. Rashi (רש"י) understands this literally—they made a mistake thinking he was dead, but he was actually alive, in a state of suspended animation or deep sleep.
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Parshas Vayechi, Bereishis 47:28-50:26
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