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Genesis 37:3 - Favoritism sparks sibling rivalry

Genesis 37:3 - בראשית 37:3

Hebrew Text

וְיִשְׂרָאֵל אָהַב אֶת־יוֹסֵף מִכָּל־בָּנָיו כִּי־בֶן־זְקֻנִים הוּא לוֹ וְעָשָׂה לוֹ כְּתֹנֶת פַּסִּים׃

English Translation

Now Yisra᾽el loved Yosef more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat with long sleeves.

Transliteration

V'Yisrael ahav et-Yosef mikol-banav ki-ven-zekunim hu lo v'asa lo ktonet pasim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְיִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל אָהַ֤ב אֶת־יוֹסֵף֙ מִכׇּל־בָּנָ֔יו כִּֽי־בֶן־זְקֻנִ֥ים ה֖וּא ל֑וֹ וְעָ֥שָׂה ל֖וֹ כְּתֹ֥נֶת פַּסִּֽים׃
וְיִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל אָהַ֤ב אֶת־יוֹסֵף֙ מִכׇּל־בָּנָ֔יו כִּֽי־בֶן־זְקֻנִ֥ים ה֖וּא ל֑וֹ וְעָ֥שָׂה ל֖וֹ כְּתֹ֥נֶת פַּסִּֽים׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Yaakov's Special Love for Yosef

The verse states that Yaakov loved Yosef more than all his other sons because he was a "ben zekunim" (son of his old age). Rashi explains that this phrase means Yosef was born when Yaakov was already elderly. Additionally, Rashi cites the Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 84:8) that Yosef was the primary student of Yaakov in his later years, absorbing his father's Torah teachings more than his brothers.

The Significance of the Ketonet Passim

The "ketonet passim" (coat of many colors) that Yaakov made for Yosef is interpreted in several ways by our commentators:

  • Rashi explains it was a fine woolen garment, with "passim" referring to its intricate design or embroidery, symbolizing Yosef's elevated status.
  • Ramban suggests it was a garment reaching the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, indicating royalty and leadership.
  • Ibn Ezra notes that such a garment was typically worn by nobility, hinting at Yaakov's intention to designate Yosef as the primary heir.

Parental Favoritism and its Consequences

The Talmud (Shabbat 10b) derives from this episode that a parent should not show favoritism among children, as it led to jealousy and strife among the brothers. The Midrash Tanchuma (Vayeshev 4) elaborates that while Yaakov's love was rooted in Yosef's spiritual qualities, the outward display of favoritism through the special garment provoked the brothers' resentment.

Yosef as Yaakov's Spiritual Successor

The Kli Yakar emphasizes that Yaakov saw in Yosef a continuation of his own spiritual legacy. As Yosef was born after Yaakov had already achieved spiritual maturity (unlike the brothers born during his years of struggle with Lavan), he embodied Yaakov's purest Torah values. This explains why Yaakov invested special attention in Yosef's education and development.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Shabbat 10b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about parental favoritism and its consequences, illustrating how Jacob's favoritism towards Joseph led to jealousy among his brothers.
📖 Megillah 16b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the special garments made for Joseph, symbolizing his unique status among his brothers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Yaakov (Israel) love Yosef more than his other sons?
A: According to Rashi, Yaakov loved Yosef more because he was a 'ben zekunim' - which can mean either that Yosef was born when Yaakov was older, or that Yosef had wisdom like an elder (zekein). Additionally, the Midrash explains that Yosef resembled Yaakov in appearance and character.
Q: What was special about the 'ketonet passim' (coat of many colors) that Yaakov gave Yosef?
A: The ketonet passim was a special garment that signified honor and leadership. Rashi explains it was a fine woolen tunic that reached the wrists and ankles. The Talmud (Shabbat 10b) teaches that giving special clothing can show favoritism, which our sages learn should be avoided as it caused strife between Yosef and his brothers.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yaakov showing favoritism to Yosef?
A: The Torah teaches us the dangers of showing favoritism among children, as it led to jealousy and conflict between Yosef and his brothers. Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 6:7) teaches that parents must treat all children equally in gifts, attention and affection to maintain family harmony.
Q: Why does the Torah mention Yaakov's special love for Yosef?
A: This detail explains the background for the coming story of Yosef's brothers selling him. The Torah shows how small acts of favoritism can have major consequences. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 84:8) notes that this teaches us how Divine Providence works through human actions to fulfill greater plans.
Q: How do we know Yosef was special even before his dreams?
A: The verse shows Yosef was already unique through Yaakov's special love and the gifted garment. The Midrash (Tanchuma Vayeishev 2) explains Yosef had exceptional character traits from youth, which is why he merited later leadership. His righteousness was evident even before his prophetic dreams.