Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who was Asenat, the mother of Menashe and Ephraim?
A: Asenat was the daughter of Poti-fera, the priest of On in Egypt. According to Midrashic sources (like Bereshit Rabbah), she was actually the adopted daughter of Poti-fera, and some traditions identify her as the daughter of Dina and Shechem, raised in Egypt. She became Yosef's wife in Egypt (Genesis 41:45) and bore him his two sons.
Q: Why is it important that Yosef had children in Egypt?
A: This is significant because Yosef's sons, Menashe and Ephraim, became two of the twelve tribes of Israel. Despite being born in Egypt, they were fully incorporated into the Jewish people. Later, Yaakov even blesses them as his own sons (Genesis 48:5), showing how the Jewish family continued to grow even in exile.
Q: What does the Torah teach by mentioning Poti-fera's position as a priest of On?
A: The Torah emphasizes that Yosef married the daughter of an Egyptian priest to show that despite rising to power in Egypt, Yosef remained faithful to Hashem. Rashi explains that 'Poti-fera' is actually Potiphar (Yosef's former master), who became a 'fera' (eunuch) as divine punishment for his wife's actions with Yosef. The mention of his priesthood highlights the contrast between Egyptian idolatry and Yosef's righteousness.
Q: Why are Menashe and Ephraim considered tribes if they're Yosef's sons and not Yaakov's?
A: In Genesis 48, Yaakov explicitly adopts Menashe and Ephraim as his own sons, giving them equal status with his other sons. This was a special blessing because Yosef maintained his righteousness in Egypt. Thus, instead of one tribe of Yosef, there became two tribes - Menashe and Ephraim - making twelve tribes total (along with Levi).
Q: How does this verse connect to Jewish practices today?
A: Every Friday night, Jewish parents bless their sons to be like Ephraim and Menashe (Genesis 48:20). These brothers represent Jews who can thrive spiritually even in exile (Egypt). Unlike other tribal founders who quarreled, Ephraim and Menashe lived in harmony, making them ideal role models. This verse begins their story that leads to this enduring blessing.
The Birth of Yosef's Sons in Mitzrayim
The verse (Bereishit 41:50) describes the birth of Menashe and Efrayim to Yosef in Mitzrayim, born to him by Asenat, the daughter of Poti-Fera, the priest of On. This event holds significance in understanding Yosef's life in exile and the fulfillment of divine providence.
Asenat's Lineage and Identity
Rashi (on Bereishit 41:45) explains that Asenat was the daughter of Dinah, conceived during the incident with Shechem, and later adopted by Poti-Fera. This interpretation is based on Midrashic sources (e.g., Bereishit Rabbah 80:11), which teach that Yaakov sent her away to protect her honor, and she was raised in Poti-Fera's household. This explains why she is referred to as "bat Poti-Fera" – though not his biological daughter, she was raised by him.
The Significance of Menashe and Efrayim
Poti-Fera's Role as Priest of On
On (אוֹן) was a center of idolatry in Mitzrayim, and Poti-Fera served as its high priest. The Talmud (Sotah 36b) discusses how Yosef resisted the temptations of his position and remained steadfast in his faith despite his surroundings. The fact that his wife was the daughter of an idolatrous priest underscores the miraculous nature of Yosef's descendants becoming part of Bnei Yisrael.
Divine Providence in Exile
The Radak emphasizes that the birth of Menashe and Efrayim in Mitzrayim demonstrates Hashem's promise to Avraham that his descendants would be strangers in a foreign land (Bereishit 15:13). Despite being in exile, Yosef's family grew, setting the stage for the future tribes of Yisrael. The Netziv adds that these births were part of the divine plan to ensure the survival and eventual redemption of the Jewish people.