Efraim and Menashe

One of the final tasks of Yakov Avinu was to give a double portion to his designated first born. He chose Yosef, who was the first born to his mother, Rachel, as his official “Bechor.”

He could have chosen Reuven, who was also first born to his mother, Leah, but he proved to be unworthy. Yakov found Reuven to be too hasty and impulsive. He was not pleased when he took his bed and placed it in his mother’s tent.

The double portion was given to Efraim and Menashe. They each received portions in the Land of Israel, while the Tribe of Levi did not receive a portion. They were designated for Temple service, and they were the educators of the Jewish people.

Efraim and Menashe impressed Yakov of their worthiness to be counted among the tribes of Israel. They were able to follow the tradition of Yosef and their ancestors rather than the enticement of Egyptian culture.

Their commitment to Judaism in the face of great temptations, was truly admirable. Egypt excelled in decadence and impurities, and Yosef’s two sons represented the elite of Egypt. Everything was available to them, but they refrained.

They were not only given portions in Israel, but they were the subject of fatherly blessings every Friday evening at the Shabbat.

The blessing of our sons is that Hashem should make them like Efraim and Menashe. Just as they remained steadfast in their commitment to our traditions, and did not give into physical temptations, our own sons should follow their example. They should grow up as proud Jews, strongly committed to Jewish ideals.