Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the significance of Yosef (Joseph) sharing his dream with his brothers in Genesis 37:6?
A: According to Rashi and the Midrash, Yosef sharing his dreams with his brothers was part of Divine Providence, setting in motion the events that would eventually lead to the Jewish people going down to Egypt and their eventual redemption. The dreams were prophetic, hinting at Yosef's future leadership, though his brothers initially misunderstood his intentions.
Q: Why did Yosef begin by saying 'Hear, I pray you' (שִׁמְעוּ־נָא) before telling his dream?
A: The phrase 'שִׁמְעוּ־נָא' (Hear, I pray you) shows that Yosef was politely requesting his brothers' attention. The Talmud (Berachos 55a) teaches that dreams have significance, and Yosef wanted them to seriously consider the meaning of his dream, as he sensed it was important.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yosef sharing his dreams in this verse?
A: The Rambam teaches that while dreams may contain elements of truth, one must be careful in how and with whom they are shared. Yosef's experience teaches us to consider the feelings of others when sharing visions or successes, as his brothers' jealousy was inflamed by his dreams (as explained in Bereishis Rabbah).
Q: How does the Torah's description of Yosef's dream apply to us today?
A: The Or HaChaim explains that this episode teaches us about hashgacha pratis (Divine Providence) - how seemingly small events (like sharing a dream) can set major historical processes in motion. This reminds us that our words and actions have significance beyond what we immediately see.
Q: Why does the Torah emphasize that this was 'the dream which I have dreamed'?
A: Rashi notes that the extra wording emphasizes that this was a particularly vivid and significant dream that Yosef felt compelled to share. The Midrash suggests the repetition hints that Yosef had actually dreamed two similar dreams (as described in subsequent verses), showing the certainty of their message.
Context of the Verse
The verse וַיֹּאמֶר אֲלֵיהֶם שִׁמְעוּ־נָא הַחֲלוֹם הַזֶּה אֲשֶׁר חָלָמְתִּי ("And he said to them, Hear, I pray you, this dream which I have dreamed") appears in Bereishit (Genesis) 37:6, where Yosef (Joseph) shares his dream with his brothers. This moment marks the beginning of the tension that leads to Yosef being sold into slavery.
Rashi's Commentary
Rashi explains that Yosef's phrasing "שִׁמְעוּ־נָא" ("Hear, I pray you") indicates his eagerness to share the dream, despite the potential for provoking his brothers' jealousy. Rashi notes that Yosef's approach lacked discretion, as dreams—especially those suggesting future leadership—should be handled with caution when shared with those who might resent the message.
Rambam's Perspective on Dreams
Rambam (Maimonides), in Moreh Nevuchim (Guide for the Perplexed), discusses dreams as a form of divine communication, often conveyed through symbolic imagery. Yosef's dreams were prophetic, foretelling his eventual rise to power. However, Rambam emphasizes that not all dreams hold prophetic significance, and discernment is required in interpreting them.
Midrashic Insights
The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 84:11) elaborates on the brothers' reaction, suggesting that their anger stemmed not only from the dream's content but also from Yosef's manner of presentation. The Midrash compares Yosef's words to a person who "stirs up a hornet's nest," implying that his directness exacerbated their resentment.
Lessons from the Talmud
The Talmud (Berachot 55b) discusses the nature of dreams, stating that "a dream uninterpreted is like a letter unread." Yosef's insistence on sharing his dream highlights the tension between the need to understand divine messages and the wisdom required in conveying them to others.