Rishon & Sheini
- What happened to Yaakov’s eyesight in his later years?
Yaakov’s eyes became dim with age, and he was unable to see clearly.
- What status did Yaakov confer upon his two grandsons, Ephraim and Menashe?
Yaakov recognized Ephraim and Menashe as his own, granting them the status of tribes equal to Reuvein and Shimon.
- Where were Ephraim and Menashe positioned when Yaakov blessed them?
Yosef brought his sons to Yaakov, placing them near Yaakov’s knees.
- How did Yosef position his sons before Yaakov for the blessing?
Yosef placed Ephraim to his right (Yaakov’s left) and Menashe to his left (Yaakov’s right).
- How did Yaakov place his hands when blessing Ephraim and Menashe?
Yaakov crossed his hands, placing his right hand on Ephraim’s head and his left hand on Menashe’s head, despite Menashe being the firstborn.
- What is the meaning of the word “Pilalti,” and to what does it refer?
“Pilalti” means “I prayed,” referring to Yaakov’s prayer for G‑d’s protection and blessing.
- From where do we learn the custom of placing hands on someone when blessing them?
Yaakov placed his hands on Ephraim and Menashe when blessing them, establishing the precedent.
- With what famous phrase did Yaakov bless Yosef’s sons?
Yaakov blessed them with the phrase: “Let G‑d make you like Ephraim and Menashe.”
- What does the word “Sikel” mean in the context of Yaakov’s blessing?
“Sikel” means “he acted wisely,” referring to Yaakov’s deliberate crossing of his hands.
- Why did Yaakov bless his grandchildren to be like fish?
Yaakov blessed them to multiply like fish, which are not subject to the evil eye and are abundant.
- Which angel did Yaakov invoke to protect him from harm?
Yaakov invoked the angel who redeemed him from all evil.
Shelishi
- Why was Yosef distressed when Yaakov placed his right hand on Ephraim, the younger son?
Yosef was upset because Menashe was the firstborn and traditionally should have received the right hand.
- What did Yosef attempt to do with his father’s hand during the blessing?
Yosef tried to move Yaakov’s right hand from Ephraim’s head to Menashe’s head.
- Why did Yaakov insist on placing his right hand on Ephraim’s head?
Yaakov foresaw that Ephraim’s descendants would be greater and more numerous than Menashe’s.
- What enduring blessing did Yaakov bestow upon Ephraim and Menashe?
He established that the Jewish people would bless their children by saying, “May G‑d make you like Ephraim and Menashe.”
- What special portion did Yaakov give to Yosef?
Yaakov gave Yosef the city of Shechem, a portion above his brothers.
- Which notable leader would descend from Menashe?
Gideon, the judge who led Israel to victory, would descend from Menashe.
- Which prominent leader and miracle worker would descend from Ephraim?
Yehoshua (Joshua), who led the Israelites into the Land of Israel and performed miracles, would descend from Ephraim.
- What is the source for the custom of blessing children with “May G‑d make you like Ephraim and Menashe”?
Yaakov himself established this blessing when he blessed Yosef’s sons.
- What honors and precedence did Ephraim receive over Menashe?
Ephraim was placed before Menashe in blessings and tribal listings.
- Did Yaakov personally conquer the city of Shechem?
Yes, Yaakov took Shechem from the Emorites.
- What is the meaning of “Shechem Echad” in Yaakov’s blessing to Yosef?
“Shechem Echad” means “one portion,” referring to the special territory given to Yosef.
Revi’i
- What did Yaakov wish to reveal to his sons, and was he successful?
Yaakov desired to reveal what would happen at the end of days, but he was not successful.
- What privileges did Reuvein lose due to his transgression?
Reuvein lost the rights to priesthood, kingship, and double inheritance.
- Why was Reuvein’s sin considered so severe?
Because he interfered with his father’s bed, showing impulsiveness and disrespect.
- Why was Reuvein described as “unstable as water”?
His impulsive nature caused him to lose his privileges.
- Why did Yaakov rebuke Shimon and Levi?
For their violent actions in Shechem and their use of weapons.
- Why did Yaakov refer to Shimon and Levi’s vessels as “Chamas”?
Because they used stolen tools as weapons.
- Was Yaakov aware of what his sons did to Yosef? How is this known?
Yes, Yaakov was aware, as he alluded to their actions in his final words.
- What curse and punishment did Shimon and Levi receive from Yaakov?
They were cursed for their anger and destined to be scattered among Israel.
- Where did Yaakov not want his name mentioned?
In the schemes and assemblies of Shimon and Levi.
- What did Yaakov mean by saying Shimon and Levi killed a man and uprooted an ox?
He referred to their killing of Shechem’s men and their intent to destroy.
- Did Yaakov actually curse Shimon and Levi?
Yes, he cursed their anger and decreed their dispersion.
- From which tribe do most poor people, teachers, and scribes descend?
From the tribe of Shimon. - What blessings did Yaakov give to Yehuda?
Leadership, victory over enemies, and prosperity.
- Why is King David first referred to as a cup and then as a lion?
To symbolize humility before greatness.
- Whom did Yaakov initially suspect of killing Yosef?
Yehuda.
- With what did Yaakov praise Yehuda?
With strength, leadership, and the ability to bring unity.
- With what beverages was Yehuda blessed?
Wine and milk.
- Where would Zevulun reside?
By the seashore and at the harbor of ships.
- To which animal was Yissachar compared, and why?
To a strong donkey, for his diligence and willingness to bear burdens.
- Which great judge would descend from the tribe of Dan?
Samson (Shimshon).
- To which animal was Dan compared?
To a serpent, for his cunning and ability to strike unexpectedly.
Chamishi
- Why was the tribe of Gad described as a brigade?
Because Gad would lead troops and fight valiantly.
- What miracle is hinted at regarding Gad’s return?
Gad would return to reclaim territory after battle.
- With what foods was Asher’s land blessed?
With rich foods and royal delicacies.
- What special blessing did Naftali’s land receive?
Speed and agility, like a gazelle, and the ability to inspire gratitude.
- What does “Hanosein Imrei Shefer” refer to?
It refers to eloquent speech, beautiful words, and praise.
- What did Yaakov mean by “the girls stepped above the ox”?
That Yosef’s charm attracted attention, even from noblewomen.
- What special blessing did Yaakov give Yosef?
Blessings of abundance, protection, and leadership.
- What did Yaakov mean when he said Yosef’s life was embittered?
Yosef endured hardship and opposition from his brothers.
- What prevented Yosef from sinning with Potiphar’s wife?
His steadfastness and fear of G‑d.
Shishi
- What final instructions did Yaakov give regarding his burial?
Yaakov instructed his sons to bury him in the Cave of Machpelah, which Avraham purchased as a burial site for the family.
- Who else was buried in the Cave of Machpelah according to Yaakov?
Avraham and Sarah, Yitzchak and Rivka, and Leah were all buried there.
- How did Yaakov pass away?
After completing his instructions, Yaakov gathered his feet onto the bed and passed away peacefully.
- What was Yosef’s immediate reaction to Yaakov’s passing?
Yosef fell on his father’s face, wept, and kissed him.
- Who embalmed Yaakov, and how long did the process take?
Yosef commanded the Egyptian physicians to embalm Yaakov, which took forty days.
- How long did the Egyptians mourn for Yaakov?
The Egyptians mourned for Yaakov for seventy days.
- What did Yosef do before taking Yaakov’s body to Canaan for burial?
Yosef requested permission from Pharaoh to fulfill his father’s oath to be buried in Canaan.
- Who accompanied Yosef to Yaakov’s burial?
All of Pharaoh’s servants, the elders of Egypt, Yosef’s household, his brothers, and their households, except for the children and livestock who remained in Goshen.
- What significant event occurred at Goren HaAtad?
A great and heavy eulogy and mourning took place for seven days, and the Canaanites named the place Avel Mitzrayim due to the intense mourning.
- Where was Yaakov ultimately buried?
Yaakov was buried in the Cave of Machpelah, as he had instructed.
Shevi’i
- What concern did Yosef’s brothers have after Yaakov’s death?
They feared Yosef would seek revenge for their past actions against him.
- What message did the brothers send to Yosef after Yaakov’s passing?
They told Yosef that Yaakov had commanded them to ask for his forgiveness.
- How did Yosef respond to his brothers’ plea for forgiveness?
Yosef reassured them, saying he was not in the place of G‑d and that their actions were part of G‑d’s plan to save lives. - What promise did Yosef make to his brothers and their families?
Yosef promised to provide for them and comforted them.
- How long did Yosef live, and what did he witness in his lifetime?
Yosef lived 110 years and saw three generations of Efraim’s children.
- What did Yosef request of his brothers before his death?
He asked them to take his bones out of Egypt when G‑d would redeem them and bring them to the Promised Land.
- How did Yosef’s life end?
Yosef died at the age of 110, was embalmed, and placed in a coffin in Egypt.
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