Parsha Points to Ponder

Parsha Points to Ponder

1) The Torah describes that Yaakov loved Yosef because he was a child born when he was older (BEN ZEKUNIM) HE WAS TO HIM (HU LO). What it is the purpose of the extra words HE WAS TO HIM? (37:3)
2) Why does Yosef use the word V’HINEI, BEHOLD, throughout the description of his dreams (37:7 and 37:9)?
3) What does the Torah mean when it relates that the butler both DID NOT REMEMBER Yosef and HE FORGOT HIM (40:23)?

Parsha Points to Ponder by Rabbi Dov Lipman
Rabbi Lipman is an educator, author, and community activist in Bet Shemesh - http://www.rabbilipman.com

Ponder the questions first, then see further

1) The Kli Yakar answers that BEN ZEKUNIM means acting like an adult. The Torah relates that Yosef was a NAAR, acting like a youth when he was with his brothers, but he acted older when he was around Yaakov, HE WAS TO HIM, and this led to Yaakov’s special love for him.
2) The Ohr HaChayim explains that Yosef wanted his brothers to know that these were not the usual dreams which include lack of clarity and fuzziness. BEHOLD indicated that these dreams were very clear and his reports were accurate down to the fine details.
3) The Da’at Zekainim MiBaalei HaTosfot teach that when Yosef asked the butler to remember him, he mentioned remembering him twice (40:14) - indicating that either the butler, himself, should speak to the king on Yosef’s behalf or he should find someone else to do it. Therefore, when the Torah describes that Yosef was forgotten, it captures both elements - the butler DID NOT REMEMBER to speak to Par’o himself and HE FORGOT HIM and did not ask someone else to do it.

• Other Parsha Points to Ponder
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