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“And this is what their father said to them when he blessed them. He gave each one his own special blessing.” (49:28)

From this pasuk Horav David Feinstein, Shlita, infers that all of Yaakov Avinu’s enjoinments to his sons were actually blessings. In other words, when rebuke is internalized, it can be transformed into a blessing.  Indeed, didn’t Reuven and Levi correct their ways as a result of Yaakov’s admonishment?  Likewise, when Zevulun was told that his descendants would be marine merchants, travelling the dangerous high seas, he accepted his fated vocation without fear. Their piety increased, since they were now acutely aware of their total dependence on Hashem’s mercy and beneficence for sustenance. We learn an appropriate approach to life’s occurrences…

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“Zevulun shall dwell at the shore of the sea, and he (shall be) a shore for ships.” (49:13)

Rashi explains that Zevulun’s descendants would always be found in the region of the ports to which ships would bring their wares. Zevulun engaged in commerce and provided sustenance for the tribe of Yissachar, while Yissachar engaged in Torah study. This is consistent with the pasuk in Devarim 33:18 in which Moshe bids his farewell to Klal Yisrael saying, “Rejoice Zevulun in your going out (to commerce) and Yissachar in your tents.” Indeed, the relationship between Yissachar and Zevulun was truly a remarkable one. This may be understood from the fact that the Torah places Zevulun before Yissachar, since Zevulun…

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“Yehudah, you, shall your brethren praise, your hand (shall be) on the neck of your enemies; your father’s sons will bow down before you.” (49:8)

The name “Yehudi,” which is a term applied to all Jews, is taken from the name Yehudah. The qualities which gave Yehudah pre-eminence should be found within the Jewish nation. This is an inherent component of their national personality, fulfilling their mandate as “Yehudim.” What does the name Yehudah signify? Horav Mordechai Ilan z.l., suggests that Yehudah implies two perspectives. The essence of Yehudah is malchus, sovereignty and kingship. Every Jew’s demeanor should carry an air of malchus. This is consistent with Chazal’s statement in the Talmud, Shabbos 111a, “All Jews are the sons of kings.” A certain refinement within…

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“And he blessed them on that day saying, ‘with you Yisrael (Jewry) will bless (their children) saying: Hashem should make you like Efraim and Menashe.'” (48:20)

This blessing has become the standard for blessing children throughout history. Yaakov’s words express the hope that every Jewish child will follow in the path of Yosef’s two sons. What traits did Efraim and Menashe exemplify that distinguished them from any of the other shevatim? Horav Meir Bergman, Shlita, makes a profound observation. The “way of the world” is that each ensuing generation digresses a bit more spiritually.  As we become increasingly distant from the source of spirituality, we lose sight of our spiritual roots. Our ambitions no longer translate into lofty goals.  We become complacent and settle for achievements…

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“And Yosef saw that his father had placed his right hand on Efraim’s head … and Yosef said to his father, ‘Not so, my father, this one (Menashe) is the first-born. Place your right hand on his head.’ And his father refused.” (48:17-19)

Prior to blessing his grandsons, Yaakov placed his right hand upon Efraim and his left hand upon Menashe. In Yosef’s eyes, this seemed inappropriate, since Efraim was the younger son. Consequently, he attempted to move his father’s right hand and place it upon Menashe’s head. Yaakov immediately resisted, insisting upon keeping his right hand on Efraim’s head. The Midrash lends an amazing insight into the dialogue between Yaakov and Yosef at this time.  Yaakov told Yosef, “You want to push aside the hand that fought off one third of the world!” This reference is to Eisav’s angel who fought with…

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