Midreshet Amit

• LIVE TORAH:
• Academic Program
• Yimei Iyun
• FAQ
• Recent Shiurim
• View by Parsha
• View By Chag
• Search Database
• Ask the Rav

In Parshat Veyechi, as Yaakov is nearing his death, he blesses his grandsons and sons. He first blesses his grandsons, choosing to bless the younger generation first rather than the older generation. When he blesses Efraim and Menashe, he switches hands, placing his right hand on the head of the younger son, Efraim. What is it with Yaakov and choosing someone else instead of the actual bechor? Does this have a connection with Yaakov taking the bechor position from Esav? Since when does the choice become Yaakov’s?

Looking back into previous parshiot, Yaakov took the birthright from Esav, and as a result, the Torah seems to favor and follow the life of Yaakov rather than Esav. Yaakov also chooses Rachel, the younger sister, leaving Leah feeling rejected. Yaakov favors his son Yosef, leaving the older sons to feel jealous and lesser than their little brother. It seems to be that Yaakov has a theme for favoring the youngest.

Perhaps one way to understand this is that Yaakov was very analytical, and he made his choices based on who he thought was best for the passing down of the lineage. We learn this from the way Yaakov blesses each of his twelve sons. He mentions mostly weakness but he also mentions strengths and based on that gives his bracha. He analyzes which son could contribute most to what he is best at. For example he gives the bracha of leadership to Yehuda rather than his bechor, Reuven. Yaakov places his right hand on Efraim’s head rather than Menashe’s because Efraim will be greater than Menashe and thus the lineage will be passed through him.

Everyone possesses positive and negative qualities, and each individual has his or her own unique things to contribute to the world. Each action determines who we are as people, and expresses our abilities and talents. Here at Midreshet Amit, we volunteer with Beit Hayeled, using the strengths we have. Some of us are better at Hebrew, some of us are more natural with kids, and others are more creative at coming up with fun birthday celebrations, but we all contribute the best we can and make a huge impact on the kids.