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Six and Blessing

If we analyze the number six, we will notice it represents Bracha. When the women gave birth in Mitzrayim, it was six at a time.[1] Rus was destined to have six descendants—Dovid, Moshiach, Daniel, Chananya, Mishael and Azarya—descend from her who would each be blessed with six blessings.[2] It is the sixth year that is one of blessing for the sixth, seventh and eighth years.[3] What is the sixth request we have in Shemona Esrei? ברך עלינו.[4] This idea is hinted to in the letter ו—since it has a numerical value of six—as it means “and”—to increase. Indeed, we are taught it is the cause מוסיף על הראשונים, [5]it connects to what was said previously. Moreover, it means a hook—that which connects—as in ווי העמודים.[6]

The sixth of the אושפיזין is Yosef and he is the one who gave Bracha to the land of Mitzrayim. Indeed, it says יסף ה'...ברוכים.[7] We also find the term Bracha in regard to Yosef by the Brachos of Yaakov and Moshe—ויברכך ברכת שמים מעל ברכת... and וליוסף אמר מברכת.[8] יוסף is rooted in the term מוסיף, to increase. It is Yosef’s two sons that became Shevatim.[9] This is the concept of Bracha as the root of ברכה is ברך.[10] ב is 2, כ 20 and ר 200, as the idea of Bracha is to add,[11] increase.[12] Yosef is the one who was שומר הברית and that is the part of the body that reproduces. In addition to the above, the Pasuk states Yosef woreבגדי שש (six).[13]

What is the sixth Parsha of the Torah? Toldos. Consequently, this Parsha is saturated with Bracha. Every Aliya in this Parsha begins with a ו, six. Each Aliya also has terms of Bracha contained in it. This is especially true with the sixth Aliyah of this Parsha which contains many terms of Bracha. We are taught in this Parshaויצחק בן ששים שנה[14]—unit of six. The name of the Parsha is תולדת, children—to extend beyond ourselves—Bracha.[15] Furthermore, it was twins, not just one child. Moreover, both were male and the Baal Haturim[16] points out that זכר has the same numerical value as ברכה, 227.

Rabbi Alt merited to learn under the tutelage of R’ Mordechai Friedlander Ztz”l for close to five years. He received Semicha from R’ Zalman Nechemia Goldberg. Rabbi Alt has written on numerous topics for various websites and publications. He lives with his wife and family in a suburb of Yerushalayim where he studies, writes and teaches. The author is passionate about teaching Jews of all levels of observance.