share torah logo

Genesis 45:23 - Joseph honors father with gifts

Genesis 45:23 - בראשית 45:23

Hebrew Text

וּלְאָבִיו שָׁלַח כְּזֹאת עֲשָׂרָה חֲמֹרִים נֹשְׂאִים מִטּוּב מִצְרָיִם וְעֶשֶׂר אֲתֹנֹת נֹשְׂאֹת בָּר וָלֶחֶם וּמָזוֹן לְאָבִיו לַדָּרֶךְ׃

English Translation

And to his father he sent after this manner

Transliteration

Ule'aviv shalach kezot asara chamorim nos'im mituv Mitzrayim ve'eser atonot nos'ot bar valechem umazon le'aviv laderech.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּלְאָבִ֞יו שָׁלַ֤ח כְּזֹאת֙ עֲשָׂרָ֣ה חֲמֹרִ֔ים נֹשְׂאִ֖ים מִטּ֣וּב מִצְרָ֑יִם וְעֶ֣שֶׂר אֲתֹנֹ֡ת נֹֽ֠שְׂאֹ֠ת בָּ֣ר וָלֶ֧חֶם וּמָז֛וֹן לְאָבִ֖יו לַדָּֽרֶךְ׃
וּלְאָבִ֞יו שָׁלַ֤ח כְּזֹאת֙ עֲשָׂרָ֣ה חֲמֹרִ֔ים נֹשְׂאִ֖ים מִטּ֣וּב מִצְרָ֑יִם וְעֶ֣שֶׂר אֲתֹנֹ֡ת נֹֽ֠שְׂאֹ֠ת בָּ֣ר וָלֶ֧חֶם וּמָז֛וֹן לְאָבִ֖יו לַדָּֽרֶךְ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Bereshit 45:23) describes Yosef's generous gifts to his father Yaakov upon revealing his identity to his brothers and inviting them to bring Yaakov down to Egypt. This act demonstrates Yosef's deep respect and love for his father, as well as his desire to provide for Yaakov's physical and spiritual needs during the journey.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) comments on the phrase "כְּזֹאת" ("after this manner") that Yosef sent gifts in a manner befitting royalty, emphasizing his high status in Egypt. Regarding the "עֲשָׂרָה חֲמֹרִים" (ten donkeys), Rashi explains that they carried "מִטּוּב מִצְרָיִם" ("from the best of Egypt"), including fine foods and delicacies, to honor his father.

Symbolism of the Gifts

  • Ten Donkeys: The number ten corresponds to the Ten Tribes (Yosef's brothers), symbolizing reconciliation and unity.
  • Ten Female Donkeys: These carried "בָּר וָלֶחֶם" ("grain and bread"), representing physical sustenance, while also hinting at Torah (as "bread" can symbolize wisdom).
  • "וּמָזוֹן לְאָבִיו לַדָּרֶךְ" ("and provisions for his father for the journey"): The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 94:2) teaches that Yosef included aged wine, which revives the soul, showing his concern for Yaakov's spiritual comfort.

Rambam's Perspective on Honoring Parents

The Rambam (Maimonides, Hilchot Mamrim 6:3) derives from this verse the importance of honoring one's parents even from a distance. Yosef, though a ruler in Egypt, ensured his father's needs were met with dignity, setting an example of kibud av (honoring a father).

Chizkuni's Insight on Yaakov's Wellbeing

Chizkuni (Rabbi Hezekiah ben Manoach) notes that Yosef sent provisions specifically "לַדָּרֶךְ" ("for the journey") because he understood the hardships of travel. This reflects Yosef's wisdom in anticipating his father's needs, a lesson in thoughtful chesed (kindness).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Yosef send his father Yaakov gifts from Egypt?
A: Yosef sent gifts to his father Yaakov to show honor and respect (kibud av), as required by the Torah. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 94:2) explains that Yosef wanted to demonstrate his love and provide comfort to his father after their long separation. Sending gifts was also a way to prove he was truly alive and successful in Egypt.
Q: What is the significance of the specific gifts Yosef sent?
A: Rashi explains that the 'ten donkeys carrying the best of Egypt' represented material wealth, while the 'ten female donkeys carrying grain, bread and provisions' symbolized spiritual sustenance. The Talmud (Chullin 91a) notes that the fine foods were sent because Egyptian produce was considered superior, and Yosef wanted his father to enjoy the best.
Q: How does this verse teach us about honoring parents?
A: This verse demonstrates the mitzvah of honoring one's parents (kibud av va'em). The Rambam (Hilchos Mamrim 6:3) learns from Yosef's actions that we must provide for our parents' needs with the finest we can offer. Even though Yosef was a ruler in Egypt, he made special efforts to honor his father, setting an example for all generations.