A mystery abounds in the genealogy of scripture - one that seems to contradict the Torah of Moshe, and one that ultimately leads to the birth of the Messiah and the fulfillment of prophecy. When we look at the law concerning the first born and his birthright, what do we see when it comes to the sons of Ya'aqov? A mystery to be sure. For the curious, not all will be unfolded here tonight, but certainly enough to get us thinking. What is the mystery of the scarlet thread?