Vayechi meaning “And He Lived,”(Genesis 47:28–50:26) begins with Ya’acov asking Yoseph to promise he will bury him in Canaan. Yoseph swears to fulfill his father’s wish. As Ya’acov’s time nears, Yoseph brings his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, to receive their grandfather’s blessing. Ya’acov places his right hand on Ephraim, the younger, and his left hand on Manasseh, giving Ephraim the primary blessing. When Yoseph tries to correct what he sees as a mistake, Ya’acov insists, saying he knows what he is doing and that Ephraim will be greater (Genesis 48:13–20).

Ya’acov then calls his other sons to his bedside and offers each a unique blessing, revealing insights into their futures and characteristics (Genesis 49:1–27). After blessing his sons, Ya’acov draws his feet into his bed and passes away. Overcome with grief, Yoseph mourns his father and orders the people of Mitzrayim physicians to embalm him. The embalming process takes forty days, and the people of Mitzrayim mourn Ya’acov for seventy days (Genesis 50:1–3).

When the mourning period ends, Yoseph requests Pharaoh’s permission to bury his father in Canaan. Pharaoh not only grants permission but also sends his officials, elders, and many servants to accompany Yoseph and his family on the journey. Ya’acov is buried in the cave of Machpelah, alongside his ancestors (Genesis 50:4–13).

After returning to Mitzrayim, Yoseph’s brothers worry he might now seek revenge for their past actions. Yoseph reassures them, saying, “Do not be afraid... you meant evil against me, but G-d meant it for good, to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive” (Genesis 50:19–21).

The parasha concludes with Yoseph’s own death at age 110. Before passing, he asks that his bones be taken back to Canaan when G-d leads Israel out of Mitzrayim, ensuring his connection to the Promised Land (Genesis 50:24–26).