Vayechi: Chapter 20

When it is time for a man to depart from the world

Synopsis

This section starts by saying that when a man dies, Four Judgments arise from four winds of the world. The four elements in man - earth, air, fire, water - attach and fight with each other. They are then separated upon his death. The herald next explains that man is evil if he has no merit, and his soul will burn in the River of Fire (Nahar Dinur). At this time, he confesses his deeds. Rabbi Yehuda then explains to Rabbi Yosi the reason for "a black cock," black being the color of judgment. When judgment comes upon man, the black cock starts crowing, then a second Supernal Spirit is added to him, so that he may see what he never saw in his days. If he is righteous, he goes to heaven; if not, his spirit stays in this world, and eventually ends up in Gehenom. Rabbi Yehuda then explains the triple - colored pillar in the lower Garden of Eden, meaning the three colors of the rainbow. The soul ascends through the pillar into righteousness, and so on towards God, if he is worthy.

Relevance

The power to cleanse the evil from our nature and purify our souls from the iniquities we knowingly or unknowingly committed in life, is bestowed upon us, provided we connect to this passage with an atoning heart. This Light sweetens judgments and helps us recognize the foolishness and dangers of self - centered behavior. We are inspired to travel the path of righteousness.