Photo Credit: BSpitz
Joseph son of Jacob arrives with his sons, Menashe and Ephraim, to visit his father, Jacob, who is ill in bed. Jacob asks who is with Joseph, and upon learning it is his grandsons, he requests them to come closer to receive his blessing.
Despite his vision problems, Jacob embraces and kisses his grandsons, showing his love for them. Rabbi Ovadia Sforno interprets this as a way for Jacob’s soul to connect with them and for his blessings to be fulfilled.
Jacob blesses Ephraim and Menashe with traditional Jewish blessings that are still recited on Friday nights. Sforno emphasizes the importance of vision in blessings, citing examples like Moses viewing the land of Israel.
Interestingly, Sforno notes that Jacob blesses Joseph without needing to see him clearly, suggesting that a strong emotional connection can transcend physical distance in blessings.
May we all be both givers and receivers of blessings, and may they bring positivity into our lives!
Shabbat Shalom and Chanuka Sameach