Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did Yosef cry on Binyamin's neck in Genesis 45:14?
A: According to Rashi, Yosef cried on Binyamin's neck because he foresaw through divine inspiration that the two future Temples (Beit HaMikdash) in Jerusalem, which would be in Binyamin's territory, would be destroyed. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 93:12) explains that Binyamin cried on Yosef's neck because he foresaw the destruction of the Mishkan in Shiloh, which was in Yosef's territory.
Q: What is the significance of the brothers crying on each other's necks in this verse?
A: The crying symbolizes deep emotional reunification after years of separation. The Talmud (Chagigah 4b) teaches that true repentance and reconciliation bring about profound emotional release. Their embrace represents the healing of family bonds, which is a central value in Judaism (see Rambam, Hilchot Teshuvah 2:10).
Q: Why does the Torah specify that they cried on each other's necks?
A: The neck (צַוָּאר) represents connection - just as the neck connects the head to the body, this moment reconnects the brothers after their long separation. The Kli Yakar explains that the neck also symbolizes bearing burdens, showing they were now ready to share each other's pain after years of estrangement.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yosef and Binyamin crying together?
A: This teaches the importance of forgiveness and family unity. Despite the years of separation and the brothers' earlier mistreatment of Yosef, they were able to reconcile completely. The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 7:8) teaches that this exemplifies how we should pursue peace and repair relationships.
Q: Why is Binyamin singled out for this emotional reunion with Yosef?
A: Binyamin was Yosef's only full brother (both sons of Rachel), creating a special bond between them. Additionally, as Rashi notes, Binyamin wasn't involved in selling Yosef into slavery (Bereishit 37), making their reunion particularly pure and emotional.
The Emotional Reunion of Yosef and Binyamin
The verse describes the powerful moment when Yosef embraces his younger brother Binyamin and weeps on his neck, with Binyamin reciprocating. This scene follows Yosef's earlier restraint in revealing himself to his brothers, making this display of emotion particularly significant.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (Bereshit 45:14) explains that Yosef wept over the future destruction of the two Temples in Jerusalem, which would later be situated in the territory of Binyamin's descendants. Binyamin, in turn, wept over the destruction of the Mishkan in Shiloh, which would be in Yosef's territory. This interpretation connects their tears to future tragedies affecting their respective tribes.
Midrashic Insights
The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 93:12) elaborates that their weeping was not merely personal but prophetic. Yosef, who had endured suffering at the hands of his brothers, foresaw the suffering of Binyamin's descendants. Binyamin, who had not participated in selling Yosef, wept out of pure brotherly love and shared destiny.
Rambam on Emotional Expression
Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 2:3) teaches that emotional expression should be balanced—neither excessive nor suppressed. Yosef's weeping here demonstrates the proper channeling of deep emotion, especially after years of separation and concealment. His tears were justified and meaningful, reflecting his righteousness.
Symbolism of the Neck
Halachic Perspective on Weeping
The Talmud (Moed Katan 25a) discusses when weeping is appropriate. Here, Yosef and Binyamin's tears were a mitzvah—expressing genuine love and concern for one another and their future generations, aligning with the principle of misped (mourning with purpose).