Israel Forever

For the week ending 6 January 2007 / 16 Tevet 5767

A Blessing for Children

by Rabbi Mendel Weinbach zt'l
Become a Supporter Library Library

When Jewish parents bless their sons on the eve of a Shabbat or holiday they fulfill the prophecy of the Patriarch Yaakov who told his grandsons that future generations would bless their sons that "G-d would make them like Ephraim and Menashe".

As we listen to these words read this Shabbat in our synagogues we cannot help but wonder why Yaakov insisted on instituting a blessing using his grandsons as models rather than any of his righteous sons.

The popular explanation is that while all of Yaakov's sons were raised in Eretz Israel and in the home of their saintly father, Ephraim and Menashe were raised in Egypt. Despite the negative atmosphere of that corrupt society they managed to survive as righteous men. The blessing parents give to their sons is that they should have a similar ability to survive every challenge to their spiritual security.

How ironic it is that there are Jewish youth born and raised in holy Eretz Yisrael who should turn things around and seek to imitate the corrupt ways of modern "Egyptian" culture. Perhaps the example of Ephraim and Menashe will inspire them to follow in their path and thus secure Israel forever.

© 1995-2024 Ohr Somayach International - All rights reserved.

Articles may be distributed to another person intact without prior permission. We also encourage you to include this material in other publications, such as synagogue or school newsletters. Hardcopy or electronic. However, we ask that you contact us beforehand for permission in advance at ohr@ohr.edu and credit for the source as Ohr Somayach Institutions www.ohr.edu

« Back to Israel Forever

Ohr Somayach International is a 501c3 not-for-profit corporation (letter on file) EIN 13-3503155 and your donation is tax deductable.