VaYechi:

Genesis 47:28-50:26.

OVERVIEW

After 17 years in Egypt, Jacob senses his days drawing to a close and summons Joseph. He makes Joseph swear to bury him in the cave of Machpela, the burial place of Adam and Eve, Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebecca. Jacob becomes ill and Joseph brings to him his two sons, Efraim and Menashe. Jacob elevates Efraim and Menashe to the status of his own sons, thus giving Joseph a double portion which removes the status of the first-born from Reuven. As Jacob is blind from old age, Joseph leads his sons close to their grandfather. Jacob kisses and hugs them. He had not thought to see his son Joseph again, let alone Joseph's children. Jacob begins to bless them, giving precedence to Efraim, the younger, but Joseph interrupts him and indicates that Menashe is the elder. Jacob explains that he intends to bless Efraim with his strong hand because Joshua will descend from him, and Joshua will be both the conqueror of Eretz Yisrael and the teacher of Torah to the Jewish People. Jacob summons the rest of his sons in order to bless them as well. Jacob's blessing reflects the unique character and ability of each tribe, directing each one in its unique mission in serving Hashem. Jacob passes from this world at the age of 147. A tremendous funeral procession accompanies his funeral cortege up from Egypt to his resting place in the cave of Machpela in Chevron. After Jacob's passing, the brothers are concerned that Joseph will now take revenge on them. Joseph reassures them, even promising to support them and their families. Joseph lives out the rest of his years in Egypt, seeing Efraim's great-grandchildren. Before his death, Joseph foretells to his brothers that Hashem will redeem them from Egypt. He makes them swear to bring his bones out of Egypt with them at that time. Joseph passes away at the age of 110 and is embalmed. Thus ends Sefer Bereishis, the first of the five Books of the Torah.

Overview courtesy of Rabbis Newman and Sinclair, Ohr Somayach