Thoughts on Vayechi

1. Genesis 48:10 And [Yaakov] kissed them and hugged them [Menashe and Ephraim]. The Sipurno writes an important bracha (blessing) qualifier. He kissed and hugged them so that his soul should attach itself to them so that his blessing should be fulfilled to them.

2. It is interesting to note that despite the border protections Mitzrayim had for those entering it, there seems not to be the same self-diligence in the surrounding countries. Despite the large group that accompanied Yaakov back to Canaan, there was mere curiousity (Genesis 50:11) "The inhabitants of Canaan saw" and did not jump to conclusions to assume provocations of war. Mitzrayim had become very powerful as it hoarded the wealth of at least the Middle East as we know of it at the time during the years of famine.