The word “toldos” is commonly translated as “offspring”. In this case, however, the Torah only mentions Yosef. Thus, it seems that the Torah is referring to Yaakov Avinu’s personal history. The Midrash suggests that since Yosef and Yaakov had so much in common, the concept of toldos, offspring, applies most to Yosef. Yaakov slaved in Lavan’s home in order to earn Rachel, Yosef’s mother, for a wife. Yosef’s physical visage was similar to that of Yaakov. Yosef experienced some of the same life events as Yaakov did. Each one had brothers – or a brother- that hated him and sought…
