The verse begins with the plural “ofrchu” (and he blessed them) and ends with the singular “lc” (with you). Perhaps it may be suggested that Yaakov is referring to Yosef’s dedication to properly educating his sons in a land foreign and adverse to Torah and its heritage. Yosef’s two sons were born and raised in a land which was diametrically opposed to Yaakov’s principles. Although there were daily temptations and attractions to seduce them away from the faith of their ancestors, they remained steadfast in their commitment to their faith. On the contrary, they were willing to reject their noble positions within the Egyptian aristocracy to join their immigrant relatives in Goshen. By doing this, they displayed to all, the values they were taught by their father. It was Yosef’s determination that his children continue in his ancestors’ faith, which Yaakov extolls. It is Yaakov’s fervent wish that every Jewish father display the same courage and resoluteness to fight for his children’s proper education, so they not fall prey to the temptations of the society they live in. It is Yosef’s unwavering spirit and determination that should serve as a striking example to all Jewish parents in fulfilling their commitment to bringing up their children in the faith of their forefathers. Therefore Yaakov refers to Yosef with the singular “With you, Israel will bless its children”.
