VaYexi (Genesis 47:28 - 50:26)

The portion is named "VaYexi" , literally "and he lived," because it begins with telling us how long Jacob lived in Egypt before his death.

This week's portion begins with telling us that Jacob lived in Egypt for seventeen years. When he was nearing death, he called Joseph to him and made him swear that he would bury him in Canaan, where his fathers were buried.

Joseph then brings his sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, to Jacob. Jacob blesses them, saying that they are like sons to him. When blessing them, Jacob places his right hand on Ephraim's head, even though he is younger. Joseph comments on this, but Jacob explains that Ephraim's descendants will be greater than Manasseh's.

Before his death, Jacob gathers his sons and tells then of their future. He describes punishment - such as the loss of the highest status as first born of Reuben because he lay with Jacob's concubine, and the dispersing of the tribes of Levi and Simeon because of what they did in Shechem, together with a blessing for Judah as leader of Israel and different blessing for the other tribes. He then asks his sons to bury him in the cave of Machpellah in Hebron. Jacob dies and is embalmed. Joseph then asks for Pharaoh's permission, and all of Jacob's sons go to Canaan and bury him as he requested.

After Jacob's death, the brothers are afraid that Joseph will seek revenge for what they did, however, Joseph reassures them, and says that it was all part of God's plan.

The portion ends with Joseph's death. Before his death, Joseph wishes for his bones to be brought to Canaan when the Israelites leave Egypt.

VaYexi is the last portion in the Book of Genesis. When read in the synagogue, at the end of every one of the books of the Pentateuch, the entire congregation rises and says: (xazak xazak venitxazek), "strong, strong, and we will be stronger!"