Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Yosef's dream in Genesis 37:5 mean?
A: According to Rashi and other traditional Jewish commentators, Yosef's dream was a prophetic vision indicating that he would one day rise to a position of leadership over his brothers. The imagery of the sheaves bowing down (mentioned in the next verse) symbolized his future authority. The Torah emphasizes that this was a true Divine message, not just an ordinary dream.
Q: Why did Yosef's brothers hate him more after he told them his dream?
A: The Midrash explains that Yosef's brothers already resented him because their father Yaakov showed him favoritism. When Yosef shared his dreams of leadership, they saw it as arrogance and a threat, intensifying their hatred. The Talmud (Berachos 55b) also teaches that dreams have significance, so they may have feared his dreams would come true.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yosef sharing his dreams with his brothers?
A: Jewish tradition teaches the importance of wisdom in communication. While Yosef's dreams were true prophecies, Chazal suggest he lacked discretion in sharing them, which fueled jealousy. The Rambam (Hilchos Dei'os) emphasizes judging when and how to share information wisely to maintain peace and avoid causing unnecessary conflict.
Q: How does this verse connect to the larger story of Yosef?
A: This verse begins the chain of events leading to Yosef's sale into slavery in Egypt. The Sages explain that while the brothers acted wrongly, these events were part of Hashem's plan to bring Yosef to Egypt to eventually save the family during famine. The dream's fulfillment comes much later when the brothers bow to Yosef as viceroy (Genesis 42:6).
Q: Why does the Torah mention that Yosef 'told' his dream if it caused problems?
A: The Ohr HaChaim explains that Yosef had a holy obligation to share his prophetic dream, despite the consequences, because true prophecy must be communicated. The Talmud (Brachos 7a) also teaches that dreams follow their interpretation - by telling it, Yosef helped actualize its message as part of Divine providence for Jewish history.
The Nature of Yosef's Dream
According to Rashi (Bereshit 37:5), Yosef's dream was a prophetic vision, as dreams are one of the ways through which Hashem communicates with people (see also Rambam, Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 7:7). The content of the dream—sheaves bowing to his sheaf—symbolized future events, hinting at Yosef's eventual rise to power and his brothers' dependence on him during the famine in Egypt.
Why Yosef Shared His Dream
The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 84:11) suggests that Yosef told his brothers the dream because he felt compelled to share the divine message, even though he knew it might provoke their anger. The Ramban (Bereshit 37:5) adds that Yosef may have hoped his brothers would recognize the dream's divine origin and reconsider their animosity toward him.
The Brothers' Increased Hatred
The verse states that the brothers "hated him yet the more" after hearing the dream. Rashi explains that their hatred intensified because they perceived Yosef's words as arrogance, as if he sought to rule over them. The Talmud (Shabbat 10b) teaches that one should be cautious in sharing dreams that may provoke jealousy or resentment, as Yosef's experience demonstrates.
Lessons from the Incident