Vayechi: Israel-Diaspora Relations

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Parshat Vayechi opens and closes with moving deathbed scenes of Yaakov and Yosef, each making final requests regarding their burial. The contrasts between these moments offer a lens for envisioning ideal Israel-Diaspora relations.

Yaakov makes his request to be buried with his forefathers in Canaan twice – first to Yosef and then to his other sons. To Yosef, who has lived in Egypt for some time, he pleads, “Please do not bury me in Egypt,” and requires him to swear an oath ensuring that he will not be buried there, even temporarily. In contrast, he simply instructs his other sons to bury him in the Cave of Machpelah. Yosef, however, is prepared to be buried temporarily in Egypt, asking his brothers only to promise that his bones will be taken to the Land of Israel when the nation is redeemed at the time of the Exodus.

Why was it so essential for Yaakov to be buried immediately in Israel, while Yosef accepted a delay? The Lubavitcher Rebbe explains that Yaakov’s burial in Israel was vital as a symbol of hope and connection for Bnei Yisrael in exile. As Talmud Berakhot teaches, “A prisoner cannot redeem himself from prison.” The people of Israel held on to the image of Yaakov in Israel as a reminder of their ultimate destiny. At the same time, Yosef’s presence in Egypt was necessary; he served as a protector and sustainer of the people in both life and death during their time in galut.

This dynamic offers a template for Israel-Diaspora relations today. As the situation in Israel has stabilized, at least for now, Jewish communities in chutz la’aretz, like Yosef, have a vital role to play in this historic moment – projecting a proud, confident Jewish identity both to fellow Jews and to the broader world. Yet, this is not their final destination. At the same time, we in Israel, like Yaakov, should strive to serve as a source of support, hope and aspiration to strengthen our brothers and sisters and draw them closer to their homeland. Shabbat Shalom -Karen Miller Jackson

Parshat Matot-Masei: Israel and Diaspora Jews — One Family?

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Can one truly love Israel from afar? Do Israeli and Diaspora Jews still see themselves as one family? Parshat Matot-Masei speaks directly to these questions.

As Bnei Yisrael prepare to enter the land, a moment of crisis arises: Reuven, Gad, and half of Menashe request to settle east of the Jordan for its rich grazing land. Their request seems practical, yet Moshe responds sharply: “Shall your brothers go to war while you stay here?” It becomes clear that he fears a repeat of the meraglim story and worries these tribes will weaken national resolve. Additionally, when the tribes make this request, they prioritize their cattle before their children. Rashi explains that Moshe subtly rebukes them by reversing the order of their words, teaching that children must always come first. As Rabbi Sacks observed, Jewish communities have endured throughout history by “putting children and their education first.”

In essence, Moshe sets two conditions for living outside the land: they must fight alongside their brothers and foster a strong and positive Jewish identity. The tribes agree, demonstrating unity and commitment. This narrative reminds us that love for Israel carries responsibility—solidarity, support, and a shared destiny.

As I write to you from the U.S., I wonder if, after nearly two years of war and Israel’s remarkable resilience, perhaps it is time to ask what we can do for our Diaspora family. This week, I witnessed a local shul conducting a terror drill and met with communal leaders who expressed both unwavering support for Israel and deep concern over the rise in antisemitism and anti-Zionism. The American Jewish community is fighting a battle too—not only for Israel’s reputation but for its own spiritual survival and sense of security. It was a powerful reminder: we are one people, one family. Now, perhaps more than ever, is the moment to stand with them, as they have stood with us. Shabbat Shalom -Karen Miller Jackson