Reply To: Short & Sweet

Vayechi: Stay Thirsty

In the Bracha of המלאך, Yaakov says וידגו לרוב בקרב הארץ, may they multiply manyfold in the midst of the land. The Gemara sees in the word וידגו a hint to fish (דג), which multiply quickly. What are we supposed to learn from this?

The Chidushei HaRim explains this based on another Gemora. Despite the fact that fish are surrounded by water, they always come to the surface to taste the “fresh”drops of rain. So too, says the Gemora, תלמידי חכמים who “live” with the Torah are still excited to hear something new.

And yet, points out the Chidushei HaRim, the Passuk says we should be like fish בקרב הארץ, when we are on dry land. We should never stop seeking inspiration from the Torah, both when we are immersed in its depths, and when life keeps us busy with the mundane tasks of this world.

This Bracha is particularly appropriate for Menashe and Ephraim. Menashe and Ephraim grew up alone in Mitzrayim. They could not spend their days only in the Beis Medrash; they worked for their father, who ran the country. And yet even so, they never stopped thirsting for Torah and a connection to Hashem.

לע״נ דוד חיים בן ישראל דוב הכהן
לע״נ ר׳ חיים דוב בן ר׳ בןציון שלום