Words From Rabbi White

WHY DID YAAKOV SHOW FAVOURITISM TO HIS CHILDREN?

A question that perplexes many is why did Yaakov show favouritism to Yoseph? True, Yoseph was a “ben zequnim,” the youngest except for the “baby” Binyamin, but still: was that enough to warrant receiving special favours, such as the “ketonet passim,” [which Rashi explains was a sign of royalty, and according to Seforno a sign of leadership] which in turn would lead to the enmity of the brothers.?

I saw an amazing idea from Rav Bentsiyon Nesher, a distinguished rav in Tel Aviv. You see, Yoseph should have been the “bechor,” the first born. He was indeed the first born of Rachel. Originally, Yaakov had been planning on marrying just Rachel. But Lavan tricked him, and substituted Leah for Rachel!! Had Lavan not made the switch-er-roo, then Yoseph, who was Rachel’s first born, would have been Yaakov’s first child, and, as was the practice in the ancient world, would have been entitled to special favours.  

Now we understand the Pesach hagadah: remember how the hagadah says that what Lavan wanted to do to Yaakov was worse than what Pharoah wanted to do to us. And the hagadah seems to connect Lavan with the fact that Yaakov and family eventually went down to Egypt. What’s the connection between Lavan and the descent to Egypt? 

According to the interpretation brought above, we understand: Yaakov showed special affection to Yoseph, because he knew that he should have been the first born. But the brothers resented that, to the extent that they eventually threw Yoseph into the pit: which led to Yoseph being sold to Egypt, which caused the family eventually to move to Egypt, which led to their eventually being enslaved, and then ultimately being freed [remind you of the Had Gadya?: one thing leading to another!] 

Wow! I had never thought of these connections before!

********

Haftarah this Shabbat is from chapter 2 of the prophet Amos. In chapter one, the prophet had spoken about the fall of nations surrounding Israel. He began by mentioning what would be modern day Syria, Gaza, and Lebanon (sound familiar?) Yet the selection that we read this week is directed to Israel: if you wish to avoid the fate of other nations, you must maintain a high moral standard!

****

Hanukkah begins Wednesday night. It’s always a good idea to make sure that we have our menorah and candles prepared in advance. We have found that the individual oil lights, although expensive, are very convenient.

*********

Charles Stein observes yahrzeit for his father, Avrohom Noson Chaim ben Yehezkel on Monday, 22 Kislev. May the neshama have aliya.

Shabbat shalom, Hanukkah sameah, Rabbi Menahem White