For an explanation of the methodology of this series, see the introduction.

"And they told him all of Joseph's words that he had said to them, and he saw the wagons that Joseph had sent to carry him, and the spirit of their father Jacob was revived" (Gen. 45:27)

Peshat (basic meaning):

Rashi: "…the spirit of…Jacob was revived"
The Shechinah, which had separated from him [because of his grief], rested upon him [once again].

Siftei Chachamim: "Ruach" here means "spirit of prophecy" or direct communication with G‑d.

Remez (hinted meaning):

Baal HaTurim: The word "wagons" [in Hebrew, "agalot"] is mentioned 4 times in this Torah portion, and the word eglah is mentioned 4 times in the portion concerning the decapitated calf. This also shows that Joseph was separated from his father while studying the portion of the decapitated calf. Indeed the gematria of the Hebrew letters of "he saw the wagons" [in Hebrew, "Vayar et hagalot"] is 1132, equal to that of the Hebrew letters of "He saw in them the law of the decapitated calf." [in Hebrew, "Raah BeHilchat Eglah Arufa"]

...his entire life it was never told to Jacob that the brothers had sold Joseph...

Derash (interpretive meaning):

Ramban: "And they told him all of Joseph's words"
this supports the interpretation that his entire life it was never told to Jacob that the brothers had sold Joseph, rather he thought that Joseph got lost and those who found him took him and sold him to Egypt. The brothers did not want to tell him of their sin, being afraid for their lives lest he get angry and curse them as he did to Reuben, Simeon and Levi.

Sod (esoteric, mystical meaning):

Zohar Vayigash 211A: Rabbi Shimon said: First it is written, "and the spirit of Jacob their father revived," and then it is written, "and Israel said: It is enough; Joseph my son is still alive." First the Torah calls him Jacob because the Shechinah took part in the vow to not reveal the sale when Joseph was sold. Now that the Shechinah has come back to him, it is written, "and the spirit of Jacob their father revived," which is the secret of the Shechinah. After the spirit was established in him, the high level went from the level of Jacob to the level Israel. From this we learn that the high level is not awakened above until there is an awakening below. For here it is written, "and the spirit of Jacob their father revived" first.

BeRahamim LeHayyim:
You better believe that Jacob, who knew that his 12 boys representing the 12 months and the 12 constellations and the 12 permutations of the holy four-letter Name, were now reduced to eleven when Joseph was taken, and figured that meant that he was no longer able to be the one to perfect the world. That mantle would have to be transferred to another. Bummer to the max! And for 22 whole years he could not be consoled.

Rambam writes, "prophecy will not rest on a person unless he is....a master of his emotions, and unperturbed by his Evil Inclination in worldly matters." (Laws of the Foundations of the Torah 7:1) When the pall of depression fell over Jacob like a thick shell, Jacob could not see Her light. "in Her light we see life." and Jacob was as walking dead for 22 years until he finally snapped out if it, as above.

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