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Genesis 46:29 - Reunion of father and son

Genesis 46:29 - בראשית 46:29

Hebrew Text

וַיֶּאְסֹר יוֹסֵף מֶרְכַּבְתּוֹ וַיַּעַל לִקְרַאת־יִשְׂרָאֵל אָבִיו גֹּשְׁנָה וַיֵּרָא אֵלָיו וַיִּפֹּל עַל־צַוָּארָיו וַיֵּבְךְּ עַל־צַוָּארָיו עוֹד׃

English Translation

And Yosef made ready his chariot, and went up to meet Yisra᾽el his father, to Goshen, and presented himself to him; and he fell on his neck, and wept on his neck a good while.

Transliteration

Va'yesor Yosef merkavto va'ya'al likrat-Yisrael aviv Goshnah va'ye'ra elav va'yipol al-tzavarav va'yevk al-tzavarav od.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֶּאְסֹ֤ר יוֹסֵף֙ מֶרְכַּבְתּ֔וֹ וַיַּ֛עַל לִקְרַֽאת־יִשְׂרָאֵ֥ל אָבִ֖יו גֹּ֑שְׁנָה וַיֵּרָ֣א אֵלָ֗יו וַיִּפֹּל֙ עַל־צַוָּארָ֔יו וַיֵּ֥בְךְּ עַל־צַוָּארָ֖יו עֽוֹד׃
וַיֶּאְסֹ֤ר יוֹסֵף֙ מֶרְכַּבְתּ֔וֹ וַיַּ֛עַל לִקְרַֽאת־יִשְׂרָאֵ֥ל אָבִ֖יו גֹּ֑שְׁנָה וַיֵּרָ֣א אֵלָ֗יו וַיִּפֹּל֙ עַל־צַוָּארָ֔יו וַיֵּ֥בְךְּ עַל־צַוָּארָ֖יו עֽוֹד׃

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Parasha Commentary

Yosef's Emotional Reunion with Yaakov

The verse describes Yosef's emotional reunion with his father Yaakov after many years of separation. Rashi (Bereshit 46:29) explains that Yosef "fell on his neck" as an expression of overwhelming emotion, but notably, the Torah does not state that Yaakov reciprocated by embracing Yosef. This leads to several interpretations in Chazal:

  • Yaakov's Spiritual State: The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 93:12) suggests Yaakov was reciting Shema at that moment, demonstrating his constant devotion to Hashem even during emotional reunions.
  • Prophetic Vision: Ramban (Bereshit 46:29) proposes that Yaakov saw through ruach hakodesh that the future Beis Hamikdash in Yosef's territory (Shiloh) would be destroyed, preventing him from fully embracing his son.
  • Yosef's Weeping: The Talmud (Megillah 16b) explains Yosef wept more intensely than usual because he foresaw the future destruction of the Mishkan in Shiloh (located in Yosef's tribal portion).

The Significance of Goshen

The meeting takes place in Goshen, which Rashi (Bereshit 46:28) notes was chosen deliberately as the most suitable place for Yaakov's family to settle - separate from Egyptian society yet fertile enough to sustain their flocks. This maintained their distinct identity while providing material needs.

Yosef's Chariot Preparation

The verse begins by noting Yosef prepared his chariot. The Kli Yakar (Bereshit 46:29) explains this demonstrates Yosef's respect for his father - he didn't send servants but personally prepared his royal transportation to honor Yaakov. This fulfills the mitzvah of kibud av even while serving as Egypt's viceroy.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 36b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing Joseph's reunion with his father Jacob, highlighting the emotional depth and significance of the moment.
📖 Megillah 16b
The verse is mentioned in a discussion about the proper way to interpret biblical narratives, particularly focusing on the actions and emotions of biblical figures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Yosef cry when he saw his father Yaakov?
A: According to Rashi, Yosef cried on his father's neck because he saw through prophecy that the future Temple would be destroyed and the Shechinah (Divine Presence) would depart from Israel. The Midrash also explains that Yosef was overcome with emotion after not seeing his father for 22 years.
Q: Why does the Torah mention Yosef preparing his chariot before meeting Yaakov?
A: The Talmud (Megillah 16b) teaches that this detail shows Yosef's great respect for his father - he didn't go as a simple person, but prepared himself honorably as the viceroy of Egypt to properly greet his father. Rambam (Hilchos Kibud Av 6:3) derives from this the importance of honoring parents with one's best resources.
Q: What is the significance of the meeting happening in Goshen?
A: The Midrash explains that Goshen was set aside as the future dwelling place for the Israelites in Egypt. By meeting there, Yosef was showing his father where his descendants would live, keeping them separate from Egyptian society to maintain their unique identity as explained in the Torah (Genesis 46:34).
Q: Why does the verse say Yosef 'fell on his neck' instead of hugging his father?
A: Rashi explains the unusual expression teaches that Yosef didn't actually embrace his father fully. Some commentaries suggest this was due to Yosef's royal position, while others say it reflects the deep emotion that made him weak. The Kli Yakar adds that 'falling on the neck' represents submitting to his father's authority after years apart.
Q: What lesson can we learn from how Yosef greeted his father?
A: This episode teaches the importance of kibud av (honoring parents) even when one achieves great success. Despite being second to Pharaoh, Yosef showed humility before his father. The Sforno notes this models how we should prioritize family relationships above all else, a fundamental Jewish value found throughout Torah and Talmudic teachings.