From Strength to Strength
Parsha Vayechi, is the last parsha of Genesis. I find this parsha interesting, because it continues and ends the story of the families of our tradition…largely dysfunctional. I consider this good, because it reflects real life, and gives us a lot to discuss. Some of this is reflected in Vayechi, as well as forgiveness and destiny.
I want to focus on something else in the parsha.
Vayechi, means “he lives”… referring to the fact that Jacob lives in Egypt. What is interesting is that much of what is discussed in the parsha is the deaths of both Jacob and Joseph. Jacob asks Joseph to take an oath to have his bones buried in the Holy Land, and later in the parsha, Joseph requests of his children they do the same for him.
This theme relates to our Koleinu Healthcare/Elder Care Action Team, and to CBST’s partnering with SAGE (Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders). I believe that when a loved one makes a request about what actions they want in the dying process, for example, “do not resuscitate”, that it is incumbent upon those they trust, that their wishes be honored, no matter what their personal opinions, feelings, or fears might be.
After all, each person’s body in life and death belongs to them. In life I and many others have experienced a lack of respect and/or control over our bodies, through violence, sickness, etc. I think a request from a loved one in the dying process should be totally respected. This is why I believe health proxies are so important, and this not just for elderly people, but for all of us.
I have been entrusted with the wishes of my mother as her health proxy. I myself, am in the process of choosing who to entrust with my health proxy. I am most vulnerable when I am sick and possibly dying.
That is the exact moment that I need to trust someone to honor my wishes. I believe it is very important to make a space, a place for our loved ones, and ourselves, to talk about these issues. This is not all sad and depressing. Actually it’s about trust, love, and yes, strength in our relationships.
So as we finish, the last parsha of Genesis, may we all experience trust, love, and intimacy and may we go from strength to strength, as we end Genesis and move on to the next chapter of Torah and our lives.
Dvar Torah for January Koleinu Healthcare/Eldcare Action Team Meeting
