This teaching covers the final reading of Genesis according to the annual cycle of readings. The focus of the narrative is on the final words of Jacob to his descendants, first to the sons of Joseph (Chapter 48) and then to his sons (Chapter 49). Joseph’s sons are elevated to the status of sons of Jacob (48), and the best “blessings” go to Judah and Joseph in chapter 49. In addition to their presentation in our texts as words to the sons of Jacob as Jacob’s days draw to a close, they also take on prophetic importance since chapter 49 indicates that these concern the “latter days.”

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