Jacob blesses the 12 sons as he is ready to leave this world.

 

The blessings read like telling their fortunes - and telling their strengths.

 

How could he know the depths of all their souls?

 

Especially after Abraham and Isaac had trouble with some of their children!

 

The Torah told us - Jacob came to Shechem (after leaving Lavan

and after separating peacefully from his tough twin Esav)

- that he came SHA-LAME - perfected - at peace - and complete (my readings)

 

He came with his WHOLE FAMILY IN SYNCH WITH EACH OTHER

 

So maybe if we just keep our children communicating with us AND EACH OTHER

 

we can have time for even 12 (totally different) family members as JACOB DID

 

They had some (REALLY) rough spots - but in the end - 

 

HE COULD BLESS THEM all ACCORDING TO THEIR individual SOULS

 

May we all bless each other and our offspring in a spirit of togetherness-

and Shabbat is the perfect time to do that every week

 

Love and Shabbos from the Old City of Jerusalem

 

Rabbi Andy Eichenholz