Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Yaakov mean when he says 'You have bereaved me of my children'?
A: Yaakov is expressing deep grief over the loss of his sons Yosef and Shimon, whom he believes are gone forever. According to Rashi, Yaakov mistakenly thinks that Yosef was killed by a wild animal (based on the brothers' deception) and that Shimon was taken by the Egyptian viceroy (Yosef, though unrecognized). His words reflect his pain and sense of abandonment.
Q: Why was Yaakov so afraid to let Binyamin go to Egypt?
A: Yaakov feared that Binyamin, the only remaining son from his beloved wife Rachel, would also be lost like Yosef. The Midrash explains that Yaakov felt particularly protective of Binyamin because he was Rachel's second son, and losing him would be unbearable. Additionally, the brothers had already failed to protect Yosef, so Yaakov distrusted their ability to safeguard Binyamin.
Q: How does this verse show Yaakov's emotional state?
A: The verse reveals Yaakov's deep sorrow and sense of helplessness. The Ramban notes that Yaakov's words 'all these things have come upon me' indicate his feeling that he is being punished or tested by Hashem. His grief over Yosef and Shimon, combined with the fear of losing Binyamin, shows his emotional turmoil and lack of trust in his other sons.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yaakov's reaction in this verse?
A: This verse teaches the importance of honest communication and the pain caused by deception. Had the brothers told the truth about Yosef earlier, Yaakov would not have suffered needlessly. The Talmud (Shabbat 10b) emphasizes that misleading others, even with good intentions, can lead to prolonged suffering. It also highlights a parent's deep love and concern for their children.
Q: How does this verse connect to the broader story of Yosef and his brothers?
A: This moment is a turning point where the brothers' past actions (selling Yosef) continue to haunt them. Rashi explains that their guilt over Yosef's disappearance now complicates their ability to reassure Yaakov about Binyamin's safety. The verse sets the stage for the eventual revelation of Yosef's identity and the family's reconciliation, showing how hidden truths eventually come to light.
Yaakov's Grief and Distress
The verse (Bereishit 42:36) captures Yaakov Avinu's profound anguish upon hearing his sons' request to take Binyamin down to Egypt. Rashi explains that Yaakov's words, "You have bereaved me of my children", reflect his belief that Yosef had been torn apart by a wild animal (as his sons had led him to believe) and that Shimon was now being held captive in Egypt. His fear of losing Binyamin as well compounded his sorrow.
The Threefold Loss
Yaakov mentions three losses in this verse, which the Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 91:8) connects to the three cardinal sins that a Jew must avoid even at the cost of life:
Yaakov's Misinterpretation
The Kli Yakar notes that Yaakov's statement "all these things have come upon me" reflects his belief that these tragedies were punishments for his own sins. However, the Midrash suggests that this was actually part of Hashem's divine plan to reunite the family and bring them down to Egypt, fulfilling the prophecy given to Avraham at the Covenant Between the Parts (Bereishit 15:13).
The Missing Comfort
Rabbeinu Bachya observes that Yaakov, as a prophet, should have been comforted by the knowledge that Yosef was alive (as hinted in the numerical value of the words in his earlier dream). His failure to realize this shows how even great tzaddikim can have their prophetic vision clouded by overwhelming grief.