Shortly before he died, Jacob called for all his sons to come and visit him one last time. The introductory verses to this episode (Gen. 49) are repetitive and obscure.

According to Rashi, Jacob was ready to reveal the details of the Messianic age when suddenly his gift of prophecy left him, and he was unable to remember what he had wanted to say. The Talmud elaborates, offering a poignant picture of the dying patriarch concerned for his spiritual legacy.

Rabbi Dunner examines Jacob’s abortive attempt to share the secrets of the future with his sons, citing primary texts, exploring later commentaries, and shedding light on this peculiar aspect of Jacob’s final moments with his children.