Parashat Vayechi- Repent One Day Before You Die

Vayik’r’vu y’mei-Yisrael lamut vayikra livno l’Yoseif…

Vayik’r’vu y’mei-David lamut va’y’tzav et-Shlomo b’no…

And the days of Israel drew close to die, and he called his son Joseph… (Breishit 47:29)

And the days of David drew close to die, and he commanded Shlomo his son… (I Kings 2:1)

Rabbi Eliezer would say, “…. Repent one day before your death.” (Pirkei Avot 2:10) His disciples would ask, “How does a man know on which day he will die?” Rabbi Eliezer said to them, “All the more reason he should repent today, lest he die tomorrow.” This is the meaning of Solomon’s words in Kohelet 9:8, “At all times your clothes should be white, and oil should not lack from your head.”

There is a time in every person’s life when s/he becomes aware of his/her mortality. It is a time to be serious, but also a time to live life to the fullest. It is a time to connect and reconnect with family and loved ones. Recently, Forbes Magazine published an article on the 25 Biggest Regrets in Life.  Among them:

1. Working too much at the expense of family and friendships
2. Not teaching my children more things/ Spending more time with my family
3. Not standing up to bullies, in school and in life
4. Not staying in touch with friends
5. Not turning off the phone/ not leaving the phone at home
6. Worrying too much about what others thought/Not having enough confidence
7. Living the life others expected me to, instead of the life I wanted
8. Not being happier/ taking life too seriously
9. Carrying a grudge/feud with a friend or family member
10. Failure to tell your parents/mentors how much you appreciate them
11. Holding on to youth too long and not becoming an adult

Kohelet’s words ring true in the Forbes article. If we live each day as if we are wearing the white of Yom Kippur, but also cherishing each day and those around us, we will have less to regret, no matter when that day should draw near. Jacob and David are lucky in their lives. They are given the realization that their days are drawing to a close. They are able to spend time and speak with those closest to them.

Take the time. It’s a message for all of us.