Vayechi-Jacob the Poet

Poets often speak of themselves as if they were referring to other individuals. Jacob thus said, “Gather around and listen, sons of Jacob (Genesis 49:2).” This is because of their deep meditation, where the mind elevates itself and the body remains as if it were devoid of the soul. It therefore appears to these individuals as if they themselves are another person.

Occasionally we find that when they author their songs, poets attain a state of ecstasy where they lose all sensation. This is because of their deep meditation.

(Rabbi Emanuel Frances; Metek Sifatayim 30)