Daily Chumash

Joseph tries to switch Jacob's hands, but Jacob indicates that the mix-up was intentional. He then begins to plan for his passing.

Jacob switches his hands, indicating that the stronger blessing falls on Ephraim's head, although Menasheh was in fact older. Jacob blessed the two with the famous "Hamalach Hagoel" blessing.

Joseph is told that his father Jacob is ailing, and visits him, with his two sons Ephraim and Menasheh. Jacob extends tribal honors to them and offers to bless them.

In advance of his arrival in Egypt, Jacob sent Judah to prepare a yeshiva – a place where he and his descendants could devote themselves to constant study of the Torah.

Joseph and Jacob are reunited. Joseph introduces his family to Pharaoh, who grants them permission to dwell in Goshen.

The Torah lists and counts Jacob’s family – children and grandchildren – noting that they totaled 70 people. The 70th and youngest in this census was Levi’s daughter Yocheved, whom we will meet later as the mother of Moses.

Joseph then told his brothers to return to the Land of Israel and bring their father Jacob to Egypt. He arranged for the family to settle in the luxurious province of Goshen, which was also removed from the negative spiritual influence of the idolatrous Egyptians.

Judah’s display of self-sacrifice for Benjamin convinced Joseph that his brothers had truly repented of their former animosity toward him. He, therefore, revealed his true identity to them. They were understandably afraid that he would take revenge on them, but Joseph assured them that he viewed the entire episode as Divine providence and did not hold them responsible.

Hearing that Joseph intended to retain Benjamin as his slave, Judah stepped forward to argue with Joseph. Although he spoke respectfully, he told Joseph that he would not tolerate this injustice to his brother – as well as to his father Jacob, who would not survive the loss of the only remaining son of his wife Rachel.

The brothers arrive in Egypt with Benjamin. They are invited to Joseph's home to dine. Joseph seats Benjamin at his side and blesses him.

Joseph deals harshly with his brothers, as they do not recognize him. he arrests Shimon before their eyes, and notifies them that upon their return they must bring their youngest brother, Benjamin. At first, Jacob refuses to allow this. After Judah takes responsibility for Benjamin, Jacob acquiesces, giving the brothers his blessing.