Spiritual Gems from the parsha

Thoughts that CountHe washes his garments in wine (Gen. 49:11)

Rabbi Shneur Zalman, founder of Chabad Chasidism explained that whenever a Jew does a mitzva (commandment), a "garment" for his soul is formed. Wine is symbolic of joy, as it states in Psalms (104:15), "And wine that gladdens man's heart." "Washing our garments in wine" thus means that we should always strive to observe the commandments out of a sense of joy.
(Torah Ohr)

And when he saw that the resting place was good...he bent his shoulder to bear (Gen. 49:15)

Issachar recognized that although leisure is a good and pleasant thing, it can also be dangerous. In times of peace and tranquility the Evil Inclination intensifies its efforts to lead a person astray, which can lead to disaster. Issachar therefore "bent his shoulder to bear" the yoke of Torah, for Torah study is the antidote to this pitfall.
(Likutei Diburim)

Benjamin shall be a wolf that rends (Gen. 49:27)

When Joseph was born, Rachel prayed for "ben-acher" - "another son." The task of Benjamin, whose birth ensued from her prayer, is to elevate the "other," the animal soul of man, until it is in the category of a "son" of G-d. For this reason Benjamin is likened to the wolf, which rips into its prey and rends it into pieces.
(Ohr Hatorah)

G-d will surely remember you (Gen. 50:25)

When Joseph told the Jews that the time for their redemption was near, he gave them a sign by which they would recognize their redeemer. "G-d will surely remember you (pakod yifkod)," he said, doubling the verb "to remember" for added emphasis. For true redemption must free both body and soul, liberating the Jews from physical and spiritual enslavement. Physical freedom alone is not enough; even return to the Holy Land is insufficient without the spiritual component which signifies true redemption. So it was in Egypt, and so is it today...
(Rabbi Meir Shapiro of Lublin)