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Chazal cite the source for the name of each of Binyamin’s sons.  They explain that each name alludes in one way or another to Yosef, his only brother with whom he shares his mother, Rachel.  This is striking!  Binyamin fathered ten sons.  This was undoubtedly an amazing fountain of joy. Binyamin, however, did not lose himself in self-agrandizment. Instead, he named every child, every source of joy, after his lost brother. The Ponevezer Rav notes Binyamin’s singular love and devotion to Yosef. Throughout all of these years, he never allowed his longing for Yosef to become obsequious. He felt every…

Horav E.M. Bloch z.t.l. makes note of the contrast between these two pesukim. Originally the pasuk states that Yaakov was carried by his sons, and it ends by remarking that all the children came along with Yaakov. This is enigmatic! Is Yaakov the leader, or is he being led? Horav Bloch explains that indeed Yaakov was in charge, leading and guiding his flock, encouraging and preparing them for the long arduous journey through Egyptian exile. He was, however, old and frail, physically delicate from his many years of anguish. His condition demanded that he be carried.  Nonetheless, Yaakov was their…