Parashat Vayechi concludes the Book of Genesis, a book of promises and dreams, of wanderings, jealousy, and reconciliation, of a family that becomes a nation. It does not end with redemption, but with death: Jacob dies, Joseph dies, and the children of Israel remain in Egypt. This is an ending that is not a solution, but a transition point. A place where a decision must be made: whether to cling to the past or lay the foundation for the future.
In his final moments, Jacob blesses his sons. The blessings are not comforting compliments, but a precise combination of truth and kindness. Truth that does not obscure violence, jealousy, and brokenness; and kindness that does not give up on the belief that human beings, in all their complexity, can change. This is how partnership is built, and this is how a nation is built: not through denial, but through courageously walking together with kindness and truth.
We too are at such a moment. The recently concluded crowdfunding campaign was a resounding success. Many chose to contribute, share, and stand by our side. This is living proof of the power of a broad community, and of the fact that this work is meaningful, compelling, and inspires trust. For this, we are deeply grateful.
But the parashah Vayechi reminds us: an ending is also a beginning. Success is not a resting place. It is true to say that challenges still lie ahead, that reality is complex, and that the road is long. And kindness obliges us to continue together, with mutual responsibility.
Our story does not end with the conclusion of the Book of Genesis. In the portion Beshalach, there is a reference to Joseph having his brothers swear that they will carry his bones with them when they leave Egypt: "And you shall carry up my bones from here with you" (Exodus 13:19). He does not leave Egypt in his body, but he refuses to give up on the future. He lays a foundation of memory, of loyalty, of hope that is an act. This is how the Exodus from Egypt begins: long before the first step.
This is what faith in the future looks like: action in the present. This is what an ongoing story looks like: it does not end at the end of the book.
As we approach the year 2026, we invite rabbis, cantors, community leaders, and rabbinic and cantorial students to join our organization as members and deepen our professional and spiritual partnership in the work of kindness and truth.
In his "URBI ET ORBI" massage for last year, chouse Pope Leo XIV to dedicate a prayer to all the victims of war and injustice, and for peace. In his massage he also chouse to quote world-renowned Jewish-Israeli poet, Yehuda Amichi's poem, Wildpeace:
“Not the peace of a cease-fire
not even the vision of the wolf and the lamb,
but rather
as in the heart when the excitement is over
and you can talk only about a great weariness.
I know that I know how to kill, that makes me an adult.
And my son plays with a toy gun that knows
how to open and close its eyes and say Mama.
A peace
without the big noise of beating swords into ploughshares,
without words, without
the thud of the heavy rubber stamp: let it be
light, floating, like lazy white foam.
A little rest for the wounds - who speaks of healing?
(And the howl of the orphans is passed from one generation
to the next, as in a relay race:
the baton never falls.)
Let it come
like wildflowers,
suddenly, because the field
must have it: wildpeace”.
Translated by Chana Bloch
We will also end our sermon with a call for peace and justice, and an end to the suffering, bloodshed, and harm to innocent people, in Israel, in Palestine, and throughout the world.
May strength be granted to GOD’s people;
may GOD bless this people and this world with Peace.
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Rabbi Avi Dabush is the CEO of Rabbis for Human Rights. He was ordained by the Shalom Hartman Institute and continues to integrate Jewish values with social activism. In 2023, he received the Sami Michael Award for his work in reducing social and economic inequality. On October 7th, Rabbi Dabush survived the Hamas terror attack in his home at Kibbutz Nirim. He has become a leading voice in advocating for the return of the hostages and continues to call for human rights and peace across the region.
Rabbi Dana Sharon is the Head of the Rabbis Network for Rabbis for Human Rights. She was ordained by HUC-JIR in 2021. Recently, she was injured in a Jewish terror attack that occurred while she was present as a protective observer during the olive harvest in the area of Deir Istiya.
In his final moments, Jacob blesses his sons. The blessings are not comforting compliments, but a precise combination of truth and kindness. Truth that does not obscure violence, jealousy, and brokenness; and kindness that does not give up on the belief that human beings, in all their complexity, can change. This is how partnership is built, and this is how a nation is built: not through denial, but through courageously walking together with kindness and truth.
We too are at such a moment. The recently concluded crowdfunding campaign was a resounding success. Many chose to contribute, share, and stand by our side. This is living proof of the power of a broad community, and of the fact that this work is meaningful, compelling, and inspires trust. For this, we are deeply grateful.
But the parashah Vayechi reminds us: an ending is also a beginning. Success is not a resting place. It is true to say that challenges still lie ahead, that reality is complex, and that the road is long. And kindness obliges us to continue together, with mutual responsibility.
Our story does not end with the conclusion of the Book of Genesis. In the portion Beshalach, there is a reference to Joseph having his brothers swear that they will carry his bones with them when they leave Egypt: "And you shall carry up my bones from here with you" (Exodus 13:19). He does not leave Egypt in his body, but he refuses to give up on the future. He lays a foundation of memory, of loyalty, of hope that is an act. This is how the Exodus from Egypt begins: long before the first step.
This is what faith in the future looks like: action in the present. This is what an ongoing story looks like: it does not end at the end of the book.
As we approach the year 2026, we invite rabbis, cantors, community leaders, and rabbinic and cantorial students to join our organization as members and deepen our professional and spiritual partnership in the work of kindness and truth.
In his "URBI ET ORBI" massage for last year, chouse Pope Leo XIV to dedicate a prayer to all the victims of war and injustice, and for peace. In his massage he also chouse to quote world-renowned Jewish-Israeli poet, Yehuda Amichi's poem, Wildpeace:
“Not the peace of a cease-fire
not even the vision of the wolf and the lamb,
but rather
as in the heart when the excitement is over
and you can talk only about a great weariness.
I know that I know how to kill, that makes me an adult.
And my son plays with a toy gun that knows
how to open and close its eyes and say Mama.
A peace
without the big noise of beating swords into ploughshares,
without words, without
the thud of the heavy rubber stamp: let it be
light, floating, like lazy white foam.
A little rest for the wounds - who speaks of healing?
(And the howl of the orphans is passed from one generation
to the next, as in a relay race:
the baton never falls.)
Let it come
like wildflowers,
suddenly, because the field
must have it: wildpeace”.
Translated by Chana Bloch
We will also end our sermon with a call for peace and justice, and an end to the suffering, bloodshed, and harm to innocent people, in Israel, in Palestine, and throughout the world.
May strength be granted to GOD’s people;
may GOD bless this people and this world with Peace.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rabbi Avi Dabush is the CEO of Rabbis for Human Rights. He was ordained by the Shalom Hartman Institute and continues to integrate Jewish values with social activism. In 2023, he received the Sami Michael Award for his work in reducing social and economic inequality. On October 7th, Rabbi Dabush survived the Hamas terror attack in his home at Kibbutz Nirim. He has become a leading voice in advocating for the return of the hostages and continues to call for human rights and peace across the region.
Rabbi Dana Sharon is the Head of the Rabbis Network for Rabbis for Human Rights. She was ordained by HUC-JIR in 2021. Recently, she was injured in a Jewish terror attack that occurred while she was present as a protective observer during the olive harvest in the area of Deir Istiya.