Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does it mean that Yosef 'nourished his father and brothers with bread' in Genesis 47:12?
A: This verse describes how Yosef (Joseph) provided for his entire family during the famine in Egypt. According to Rashi, 'with bread' refers not just to literal bread but to all their needs, showing Yosef's kindness and responsibility toward his family. The Talmud (Yoma 76a) explains that a leader must care for the people's sustenance, and Yosef fulfilled this role perfectly.
Q: Why is the phrase 'according to their little ones' important in this verse?
A: The Torah emphasizes that Yosef provided for each family member 'according to their little ones' (לְפִי הַטָּף), meaning he adjusted provisions based on family size. Ramban explains this shows fairness—families with more children received more. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 95:1) also teaches that Yosef ensured even the youngest were cared for, reflecting the Jewish value of attending to every individual's needs.
Q: How does Yosef's action in this verse relate to Jewish values today?
A: Yosef’s care for his family exemplifies the mitzvah of supporting one’s relatives, especially in hardship. The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De’ah 251:1) rules that helping family takes priority, based on verses like this. Additionally, the Talmud (Sotah 14a) teaches that we should emulate Hashem’s kindness—just as Yosef provided 'bread,' we must assist others with their basic needs.
Q: Why did Yosef specifically mention providing 'bread' in this verse?
A: Bread symbolizes sustenance and survival. Rashi notes that in famine, bread was the most critical need. The Talmud (Berachot 40a) states that bread represents all nourishment, as it is a staple food. By highlighting bread, the Torah underscores Yosef’s role in ensuring his family’s survival during the famine, a theme repeated in Jewish history (e.g., the manna in the desert).
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yosef's care for his family in this verse?
A: This verse teaches the importance of family responsibility and gratitude. Despite his brothers’ past actions, Yosef forgave and supported them—a lesson the Rambam (Hilchot De’ot 1:5) extends to all interpersonal relationships. Additionally, the Midrash (Tanchuma Vayigash 13) praises Yosef for honoring his father, Yaakov, reinforcing the mitzvah of kibud av v’em (honoring parents).
Yosef's Provision for His Family
The verse (Bereishit 47:12) describes how Yosef sustained his father, brothers, and entire household during the famine. The phrase "ויכלכל יוסף" ("And Yosef nourished") is significant, as Rashi explains that the term "כלכל" implies not merely providing food, but sustaining them in a dignified manner, ensuring their needs were fully met. This reflects Yosef's deep sense of responsibility and compassion toward his family, despite their past conflicts.
Provision "According to Their Little Ones"
The phrase "לפי הטף" ("according to their little ones") is interpreted in multiple ways by our Sages:
Yosef's Fulfillment of His Dreams
The Kli Yakar notes that this act of providing for his family was a fulfillment of Yosef’s earlier dreams (Bereishit 37:5-11), where his brothers bowed to him. Here, they were dependent on him for survival, demonstrating his elevated status. However, unlike a tyrant, Yosef used his power benevolently, showing that his leadership was rooted in kindness and responsibility.
Lessons in Leadership and Family Responsibility
The Or HaChaim highlights that Yosef’s actions teach the importance of supporting one’s family, even when past grievances exist. His care extended beyond his immediate brothers to "כל בית אביו" ("all his father’s household"), including servants and extended family, emphasizing the value of unity and collective responsibility in Klal Yisrael.