Ideas of Issachar – Vayyechi
Why does the sidra say that “Issachar is a large-boned ass, crouching down between the sheepfolds” (Gen. 49:14)?
It is obviously an analogy, but what does it indicate?
Rashi explains that Issachar is strong and symbolises an ass that can bear a load, suggesting human beings who can bear the weight of Torah and the commandments.
Another Rashi idea is that Issachar is like an animal that is on the go but every now and then has to stop and rest, like a Jew who spends six days a week in activity and rests on the seventh.
