V'zocharti et Beriti Ya'kov – Remembering the Covenant
1. Introduction: The Context of Parshas Behar-Bechukoy Sai
This week, on the fifth day, we read from Parshas Hamishi, which is a combination of Behar—on the mountain and Bechukoy Sai—in My statutes. This parsha is known for its difficult content, as it discusses at length the tochacha—the rebuke and punishments that will befall the Jewish people if they do not listen to Hashem and follow the Torah. Despite these harsh warnings, the parsha always concludes with words of comfort and hope.
One particularly interesting verse appears in pasuk Membez (42): V'zocharti ez berisi Ya'kov—I will remember My covenant with Jacob. The verse continues: V'af ez berisi Yitzchak—and also My covenant with Isaac, V'af ez berisi Avraham ezker—and also My covenant with Avraham I shall remember, v'haaretz ezker—and I will remember the land.
2. The Order of the Avos: Ya'kov, Yitzchak, Avraham
The order in which Hashem lists the forefathers here is unusual: first Ya'kov, then Yitzchak, then Avraham. Rashi addresses this and explains that since Ya'kov is considered the youngest or “smallest” of the Avos, Hashem begins with him. If Ya'kov's merit is not sufficient to bring about redemption or forgiveness, Hashem will look to Yitzchak's merit. If that too is not enough, He will go all the way back to Avraham.
This progression teaches us that each of the Avos has unique merits that can serve as a source of salvation for their descendants. The order reflects a process: starting with the most recent ancestor and working backward if necessary.
3. The Language of Remembrance: Differences Among the Avos
Rashi notes another nuance in these verses regarding how remembrance is described for each forefather. By Ya'kov it says explicitly v'zocharti—I will remember. By Avraham it says b'rith Avraham ezker—the covenant of Avraham I shall remember. However, by Yitzchak it simply says v'af ez berisi Yitzchak—and also My covenant with Yitzchak—without using any form of “remembering.”
Rashi explains this omission: Hashem does not need to “remember” Yitzchak's merit because it is ever-present before Him. Specifically, Rashi refers to “the ashes of Yitzchak,” meaning the ashes of the ram that was offered in place of Yitzchak at the Mizbeach—altar during the Akeidah (Binding of Isaac). Although Yitzchak himself was not sacrificed, those ashes are considered as if they represent his own sacrifice and remain eternally before Hashem as a visible reminder.
4. The Mystery of Ya'kov’s Extra Vav and Its Connection to Eliyahu
An additional fascinating point Rashi brings up concerns how Ya'kov's name is spelled in this verse: with an extra Vav (Yud Ayin Kuf Vez Vav). Rashi notes that throughout all of Chumash there are only five instances where Ya'kov’s name appears with this extra Vav.
This connects to another phenomenon in Tanakh: there are five places where Eliyahu’s name (Eliyahu Hanavi) appears missing a Vav. Rashi explains that this is not coincidental—rather, it symbolizes that Ya’kov took one letter from Eliyahu’s name as a guarantee or collateral until Eliyahu fulfills his mission to announce and bring about the final redemption (geulah). If Eliyahu does not come to notify about the coming redemption, then his own name remains incomplete.
This mystical connection between Ya’kov and Eliyahu highlights how even though Ya’kov is referred to as “the smallest” among the forefathers (as Rashi calls him), he nevertheless holds great power—he “holds onto” Eliyahu and compels him to fulfill his role in heralding redemption for Am Yisroel.
5. The Deeper Message: Hope Amidst Rebuke
The overall message embedded in these verses—and highlighted by Rashi’s comments—is one of hope and continuity despite hardship or rebuke. Even when facing difficult times described in Parshas Bechukoy Sai, Hashem assures us that He remembers His covenants with our forefathers—Ya’kov, Yitzchak, and Avraham—and that their merits endure forever.
The interplay between names and letters—Ya’kov’s extra Vav taken from Eliyahu—serves as a reminder that redemption is always possible and anticipated. The smallest among us can hold onto greatness and ensure our future through faithfulness to our heritage and trust in Hashem’s promises.