Parsha:

Vayechi,  Vayishlach 

Description

Just before Yaakov issues his "ethical will" and blessing/testament to his sons, he meets with Yoseph and his two sons and blesses them. The more famous scene is the "handswitch" which promotes the younger, Ephraim, over his older brother Menasheh. What is often overlooked is the promotion which both grandsons receive as they are brought "up" a generation to be equals to Reuven and Shimon. The shiur examines the reasoning behind Yaakov's move along with several unusual passages in that scene.