Reflections on Creative Arts Through Genesis – A Journey Through Life and Legacy

By: Emily Shapiro Katz
July 27, 2021

In an engaging and insightful class, Emily led us through a profound exploration of the final chapters of the Book of Genesis, focusing on the life and legacy of Jacob, and drawing intriguing connections to various works of art. The session underscored the timeless themes of life, death, and the enduring impact of one’s legacy.

Jacob’s Final Moments in Genesis

The class centered around the Torah portion of “Vayechi,” which translates to “and he lived.” This portion, despite its title, largely revolves around the end-of-life experiences of Jacob, also known as Israel. This concluding segment of Genesis encapsulates Jacob’s final years in Egypt, his poignant reflections, and his last wishes, creating a narrative rich in both historical and emotional context.

Emily emphasized the three pivotal aspects of Jacob’s final moments:

  1. Final Request to Joseph: Jacob’s heartfelt plea to his son Joseph not to be buried in Egypt but to be taken back to the land of Canaan. This request underscores the deep connection to one’s homeland and the desire for a final resting place that holds personal and ancestral significance.
  2. Blessing of Grandchildren: Jacob’s blessing of Joseph’s sons, Ephraim and Menashe, highlights the importance of passing on blessings and the role of the younger generation in continuing the family’s legacy.
  3. Gathering of Sons: Jacob’s assembly of his sons to deliver personal blessings and predictions. This moment reflects a patriarch’s duty to guide, rebuke, and prepare his children for the future, making it a comprehensive familial and spiritual bequest.

Artistic Interpretations of Jacob’s Deathbed

Emily enriched the discussion by showcasing various artistic representations of Jacob’s deathbed scene, spanning from medieval to Renaissance periods. She pointed out how these artworks often depicted the patriarch surrounded by his family, highlighting the communal nature of such moments.

One notable example was an illustration from a 15th-century manuscript showing Jacob with nine figures around him, an interpretation that differs from the biblical twelve sons but still captures the essence of a patriarchal farewell. Another contrasting piece featured a chaotic scene with numerous figures, including a dog, reflecting a more tumultuous family gathering.

Rembrandt’s famous depiction of Jacob blessing his grandsons stood out for its intimate and dramatic portrayal, utilizing light and shadow to convey deep emotion and the gravity of the moment. Interestingly, Rembrandt included a woman in the scene, likely Joseph’s wife Osnat, though her presence in the biblical text is minimal. This addition reflects the 17th-century Dutch ethos of family and the significant role of motherhood.

Edward Munch: The Art of Suffering and Isolation

Emily also delved into the works of Norwegian artist Edward Munch, known for his intense and often somber portrayals of death and suffering, influenced by his tragic personal life. Munch’s pieces, such as “The Dead Mother and Her Child” and “Death in the Sick Room,” emphasize the emotional experiences of those left behind rather than the deceased, portraying grief, isolation, and the myriad reactions to loss.

In a poignant parallel to contemporary times, Emily discussed how Munch’s experiences and depictions of the Spanish flu resonate with today’s pandemic. Munch’s self-portraits during and after his illness illustrate a stark narrative of survival, isolation, and recovery, mirroring the current global climate of fear, resilience, and hope.

Bridging Past and Present

The class concluded with a reflection on the relevance of these ancient and artistic narratives to our present lives. Just as Jacob’s deathbed scene is a contemplation on life, legacy, and continuity, our confrontation with mortality today invites us to reflect on our lives, our connections, and the legacies we wish to leave behind.

Emily’s class beautifully intertwined biblical texts, artistic interpretations, and personal reflections, offering a rich tapestry of insights into human experience. The session was not merely an academic exercise but a heartfelt journey through the themes that define our existence and our enduring quest to understand life and its meaning.

Emily Shapiro Katz

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