Shabbat Prayers-Vayigash-Psalm 90

“Pharaoh asked him, ‘How many are the days of your life?’ (Genesis 47:8).” Rather than ask Jacob how old he was, or, “How many are the years of your life,” Pharaoh asked him, “How many are the days of your life?” This strange phrasing indicates how Pharaoh acknowledged the incredible accomplishments of Jacob; Jacob’s life could be measured by days of accomplishment, not just years, as the verse teaches, “Teach us according to the count of our days; then we shall acquire a heart of wisdom (Psalms 90).” [Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch]

We are asking God that each day of our lives be filled with accomplishment, and that we can measure the days of our lives, not just the years.