Vayechi: Chapter 57

"Simeon and Levi are brothers"

Synopsis

Rabbi Yitzchak explains to Rabbi Yosi that Simeon was not worthy of a blessing and that Levi came from the side of strict judgment. After explaining the meaning of the verse, "So is the great and wide sea," Rabbi Yehuda reveals that Simeon and Levi were not blessed by their father, but rather were delivered to Moses to receive blessings. Rabbi Shimon then explains the reason for this. We learn that Jacob wished to bless Simeon and Levi when he was about to depart from the world; however, he did not because of the Shechinah, who stood over him. Knowing that to bless them would render the Shechinah defective, he decided to deliver them to Moses, the master of the house. Jacob knew that he would be able to bless Simeon and Levi without damaging the Shechinah. Rabbi Chiya concludes the passage by explaining that because they were both of strict judgment, Simeon and Levi were divided and dispersed so that all of Yisrael received from their strict judgment.

Relevance

Strict judgment is removed from our midst through the power of Moses, even though we and the rest of world may not be worthy of such cleansing. In addition, the Light of the Shechinah showers us with protection upon the merit of Moses.