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Vayechi(Genesis 47:28-50:26)
Blessing of Ephraim & Menashe
Jacob, realizing he is about to die, gathers his 12 sons to receive a blessing.
But first, Jacob calls upon two of his grandchildren ― Joseph's sons Ephraim and Menashe ― to receive blessings. Why would Jacob place priority on blessing grandchildren over children?
The commentators explain (and every grandparent knows) that even more than the joy of having children is the joy of having grandchildren. Why is this so?
Most creatures in the world have parent-child relationships ― whether it is a mother lion protecting her cubs or a mother bird feeding her young. But only the human being has a concept of grandchildren, of perpetuation beyond a single generation. This is an effect of our spiritual soul which is rooted in infinity. Being a grandparent therefore connects us deeply to our uniqueness as human beings.
Sibling Peace
There is further significance to Jacob's blessings.
One of the most beautiful customs in Jewish life is for parents to bless their children at the start of the Friday night Shabbat meal. Girls receive the blessing: "May God make you like the matriarchs Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel and Leah." Boys, meanwhile, are blessed "to be like Ephraim and Menashe."
What happened to the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac and Jacob?! Why were Ephraim and Menashe chosen instead as the subjects of this important tradition?
Ephraim and Menashe were the first set of Jewish brothers who did not fight. Abraham's two sons ― Isaac and Ishmael ― could not get along, and their disagreement forms the basis of the Arab-Israeli conflict until today. The next generation of Isaac's two sons ― Jacob and Esav ― were so contentious that Esav repeatedly sought to kill Jacob and instructed his descendants to do the same. And even the next generation of Jacob's sons sold Joseph into slavery in Egypt.
Ephraim and Menashe represent a break from this pattern. This explains why Jacob purposely switched his hands, blessing the younger Ephraim before the older Menashe. Jacob wished to emphasize the point that with these siblings, there is no rivalry. (see Genesis 48:13-14)
It is with this thought that parents bless their children today. For there is no greater blessing than peace among brothers. The words of King David ring true: "How good and pleasant is it for brothers to sit peacefully together." (Psalms 133:1)
This is the hope that God holds for all the Jewish people.
Diaspora Difficulties
Rabbi Shimshon Rafel Hirsch (19th century Germany) offers another explanation of why Jewish boys throughout the ages receive the blessing of Ephraim and Menashe:
The first generations of Jews ― Abraham, Isaac and Jacob ― raised their children primarily in the Land of Israel. The Holy Land is the most hospitable Jewish environment, where the Talmud reports that "even the air makes you wise." In one sense, being Jewish in Israel is easy.
But due to famine, Jacob and his family all moved to Egypt. The next generation would grow up surrounded by paganism and immorality. The challenge was whether Judaism would survive amidst all the distractions of diaspora life.
Throughout the ages, Jewish parents have prayed that their children should be able to withstand the temptations of exile, and keep a strong, proud Jewish identity.
And it is not an easy task. Faced with the reality of Xmas season, for example, the easy option is to relegate one's Jewish identity to the back burner. That's why parents must constantly fight the tide by emphasizing Jewish values. The most effective tools are high-impact experiences like Jewish day schools and trips to Israel.
In the end, how does a parent gauge success?
Far more than children, it is grandchildren who reveal the foundation and future direction of a family line. Hence the popular saying: "The issue is not whether you have Jewish children, it's whether you have Jewish grandchildren."
What was the outcome with Ephraim and Menashe? Despite great odds, they grew up in Egypt and maintained adherence to Torah ideals and practice. Which is why we bless our children to be like them.
May we all be blessed with proud Jewish children ― and grandchildren.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Shraga Simmons
(18) Joe, December 29, 2012 1:32 AM
Todah rabbah
Hello, I am a wanna-be Jew. I am 16 and my parents are highly against Judaism. Anyway, I have been looking up the Torah Portion cuz of my desire to become a Rabbi. I love how you guys get deeper in the Torah Portion! Shabbat Shalom!
(17) GRANDPA, October 11, 2011 5:15 PM
I fully agree put your Grand children first-you children will understand!
I am blessed of having four children-they and I hope were brought op with Love and respect. Now having Grand Children-in this confused world is a tough job-first the parents, my children, are busy chasing the good life and sometimes forget-the good Life is right next to them-so when they are to busy is an Honor to have Grandpa watch over the next generation-my Grand Children--Bless them all!
(16) Anonymous, November 28, 2010 3:53 AM
also, menashe and efrayim were grandchildren of both rochel and leah(acc to targum yonasan) who against all odds, got along well. Menashe and Efrayim represent the unity of these two sisters.
(15) Sara, December 24, 2009 5:04 PM
jacob's children were born and spent their formative years outside Eretz Yisrael
the first few years are the most important- except for Binyamin- the tribes were all born and spent their formative first years outside of Eretz Yisrael- Deena was 7 when she was captured- 7 sounds young but they were exceptionally developed!!!
(14) Anonymous, September 15, 2007 10:33 PM
Pull together in these trying times so we can build a stronger world.
Yes to bless all who have touched my life, they are not all Individuals who are of the Jewish faith. To hold us out singly over others is something other faiths at times also do. The blame of Issac and Ishmael it of bitterness yet the Muslim Faith and the Jewish Faith have many similarities from what I have observed. Heaven forbid should we ever bring this up infront of the radicals of both Muslim and Jewish unless they are truely learned dealing with facts.
I am a creation of G-d as all living things are what I do wtih this gift of Divinity is my gift back to G-d and our Creator gift to me is giving me life and a world in which to live and preserve.
I am sorry to say that there is a slow detoriation of this everywhere and we need to remember that G-d gives us the opportunity in which to choose and make the availability possible to make a prayer come true.
Do we not need to come together be greatful our heritage and be greatful to make the best of it together!
Love to ALL and hopefully no one will take this to personally, I have received much rath over time. I have as much right to vocalize my thoughts as the next person.
Thank you.
Robin Forman