Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Genesis 46:7 mean?
A: Genesis 46:7 describes how Yaakov (Jacob) brought his entire family—his sons, grandsons, daughters, granddaughters, and all his descendants—with him when he moved to Egypt. According to Rashi, this emphasizes the unity of Yaakov's household and the fulfillment of Hashem's promise that his descendants would become a great nation (Genesis 46:3).
Q: Why is it important that Yaakov brought all his family to Egypt?
A: This verse is significant because it marks the beginning of the Jewish people's descent to Egypt, which leads to the eventual Exodus. The Ramban explains that this was part of Hashem's plan, as foretold to Avraham (Genesis 15:13), that the Jewish people would be strangers in a foreign land before becoming a great nation.
Q: How does this verse apply to Jewish families today?
A: The unity of Yaakov's family teaches the importance of keeping Jewish families close, especially in times of transition or hardship. The Midrash highlights that Yaakov ensured all his descendants remained connected to their heritage, a lesson for Jewish families today to maintain strong bonds and pass down traditions.
Q: Why does the Torah specify 'his daughters and his sons’ daughters'?
A: Rashi notes that the Torah explicitly mentions the daughters to show that Yaakov's entire household—men and women—descended to Egypt together. This underscores the inclusive nature of Jewish continuity, where both sons and daughters carry forward the legacy of their ancestors.
Q: What can we learn from Yaakov bringing his whole family to Egypt?
A: The Talmud (Berachot 9b) teaches that Yaakov's decision to bring his entire family demonstrates his foresight in ensuring their spiritual survival. By keeping them together, he protected them from assimilation, teaching us the value of maintaining strong Jewish family and community ties, especially in foreign environments.
Context in the Torah
This verse (Bereshit 46:7) describes Yaakov Avinu's descent to Mitzrayim (Egypt) with his entire family. It emphasizes that he brought not only his sons but also his grandchildren and all his descendants, ensuring the continuity of Bnei Yisrael.
Rashi's Commentary
Rashi explains that the repetition of "his sons and his sons' sons" and "his daughters and his sons' daughters" serves to highlight that Yaakov took all his descendants without exception. This demonstrates Yaakov's foresight in ensuring the future of the Jewish people, as this move would ultimately lead to the formation of a nation in exile.
Midrashic Insights
Halachic and Philosophical Implications
The Rambam (Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 1:3) derives from this verse that a Jew must ensure the continuity of Torah observance for all descendants, as Yaakov did by bringing his entire family to Mitzrayim. This act set a precedent for Jewish leaders to prioritize the spiritual welfare of future generations.
Symbolism of the Descent to Mitzrayim
The Or HaChaim explains that Yaakov's descent was not merely physical but also spiritual—he brought the sanctity of Eretz Yisrael with him into exile, ensuring that even in Mitzrayim, his family would remain connected to their heritage. This foreshadowed the Jewish people's ability to maintain their identity even in diaspora.