Blessing of the Children IV

A central feature of the chapter describing Jacob’s blessing is that Jacob gave priority to the younger son, Ephraim, over his older brother Menashe. Agra D’Pirka sees in this and the reaction to it of the two grandsons, the ethical reason why they were singled out as the models for all Israel.

Although Joseph was upset by his father’s choice of priority, Menashe and Ephraim were not. Menashe was not jealous that his younger brother was placed first. Ephraim did not display any arrogance as a result of his preferred status.

Seeing this, Jacob declared that this display of unselfish brotherhood should become the model for the entire nation.

When we seek to bless our children, we can find nothing better to wish upon them than such sterling perfection of character.