“Yaakov Avinu Lo Meis”, Yaakov never died, the gemara says. The Ksav Sofer says that since Yosef reached the level of Yaakov Avinu it is as if Yaakov didn’t die since his legacy lived on. However he points out that Yaakov reached a higher level and for this Hashem added the name “Yisroel”. This level Yosef did not reach. That is why the pasuk says, “Vayikrivu Yimei Yisroel Lomus”; the day of Yisroel’s death was coming close. The madreiga
of Yisroel died with Yaakov Avinu, however “Yaakov Avinu” the madreiga of Yaakov, “Lo Meis” it lived on through Yosef.
