[Avodah] Parshas Vayechi: Rav Shamshon Rephael Hirsch - Yaakov's Encore in Mitzrayim

[Prof. Levine]

 From http://revach.net/article.php?id=5178

Unlike every other Parsha, there is no break between the end of 
Parshas Vayigash and the beginning of Parshas Vayechi. The Medrash 
brings several reasons for this. Rav Shamshon Rephael Hirsh offers 
his own explanation for this as well.

Parshas Vayechi starts with Yaakov settling in Mitzrayim. These were 
the best and only peaceful years in Yaakov's strife filled life. He 
watched his family grow and learned Torah with his children and 
grandchildren. Surely this deserves a Parsha by itself. However say 
Rav Hirsch the opposite is true.

All of Yaakov's troubles laid the foundation for the building of Bnei 
Yisroel. Every tragedy he suffered was another building block in the 
future of Klal Yisroel. His time in Mitzrayim may have been 
enjoyable, but did not add to the future legacy of the nation. These 
years were a reward for his lifetime of avodah in the face the turmoil.

This is why says Rav Hirsch, Parshas Vayechi is not a separate 
parsha. It is merely the epilogue of Yaakov's life and is attached to 
the parsha before and the conclusion of his life. We are not here on 
this world to coast, says Rav Hirsch. It is only through our 
suffering that we can accomplish anything.

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