📘 Parsha Insights – Rashi Commentary Q&A on Rishon
Q1: What does “דָבָר בְּאָזְנֵי אֲדֹנִי” mean in Yehudah’s plea?
A: Rashi explains it means “May my words enter your ears”—a request for Yosef to listen attentively.
Q2: Why does Yehudah say “וְאַל־יִחַר אַפְּךָ” (Do not become angry)?
A: From here we learn that Yehudah spoke harshly and boldly, fearing Yosef’s wrath.
Q3: What is the meaning of “כִּי כָמוֹךָ כְּפַרְעֹה” (For you are the equal of Pharaoh)?
A:
- Peshat (simple meaning): Yosef is as important as Pharaoh.
- Midrashic explanations:
- You will be stricken with tzara’at like Pharaoh was for detaining Sarah.
- Just as Pharaoh makes promises but does not fulfill them, so do you.
- If you anger me, I will kill you and your master!
Q4: Why did Yehudah accuse Yosef of asking unnecessary questions about their family?
A: Rashi says Yehudah argued: “Were we asking for your daughter in marriage or you for our sister? Why did you need to ask about our father and brother?”
Q5: Why did the brothers say “וְאָחִיו מֵת” (His brother is dead) when Yosef was alive?
A: Out of fear—they worried Yosef would demand to see him if they admitted he was alive.
Q6: What does “וְעָזַב אֶת־אָבִיו וָמֵֽת” mean?
A: Rashi explains they feared Binyamin might die on the journey, as his mother Rachel died traveling.
Q7: Why does Yaakov say “וְקָרָהוּ אָסוֹן” (If disaster befalls him)?
A: Rashi teaches that Satan prosecutes at times of danger, increasing risk during travel.
Q8: What is the deeper meaning of “וְהֽוֹרַדְתֶּם אֶת־שֵֽׂיבָתִי” (You will bring my white-haired head down to the grave)?
A: Rashi explains that losing Binyamin would feel like losing Rachel and Yosef on the same day, leaving Yaakov inconsolable.
Q9: Why does Yehudah emphasize “נַפְשׁוֹ קְשׁוּרָה בְנַפְשׁוֹ” (His soul is bound up with his soul)?
A: To show Yosef that Binyamin’s absence would break Yaakov completely, as their lives are intertwined.