** This Dvar is dedicated L'ilui Nishmat R' Yaakov Menachem Munish ben Natan Ressler (my grandfather), who was always smiling, and forever a blessing! ** Welcome to the short, practical Lelamed Weekly Dvar (and future Daily Aliya). Please consider forwarding this to others, and I hope you enjoy... Shabbat Shalom. _______________________________________________ Dvar for Vayechi 2nd Aliya Yaakov blesses his children and grandchildren, including the famous “hamalach hagoel” bracha (blessing) for Yosef’s two children, Ephraim and Menashe, to be protected (48:15-16). Curiously, Yaakov’s bracha starts by acknowledging the G-d of his father and grandfather, but the blessing itself is for the angel that protected Yaakov to protect the children. Why would Yaakov’s bracha call for an angel to protect the children when G-d’s protection would presumably be preferable? The Limudei Nissan (Rav Nissan Alpert) explains that while G-d’s intervention typically involves open miracles, the children headed to exile would benefit from subtle influence. Throughout Yaakov’s life, he struggled with Eisav, Lavan, Dena, Yosef, and others. While each circumstance's resolution was positive, achieving that fruitful result often seemed stressful and traumatic. Seeing G-d’s indirect influence in our lives requires patience and focus on the silver lining that can sometimes be hiding in difficult situations. It could also be why the blessing itself is for us to multiply like fish – we are to grow naturally, with hidden guidance from conduits of G-d, namely angels, nature, and the world around us. If we recognize the positives in our lives, we’ll merit a life filled with personal and communal redemption. Shlomo Ressler _____________________________________________ Quotation of the week: "The secret to having it all is knowing that you already do."