The Old Sabba: Passing on the Mesorah

The relationship between Yaakov Avinu and his grandchildren Ephraim and Menashe. When Yosef brought them to Yaakov for a blessing, Yaakov asks "who are these", Yosef's adding "אשר נתן לי אלקים בזה" - which God gave me with this reveals what Yaakov was really asking.

The Netziv asks: Why did Yaakov switch his hands rather than ask Ephraim and Menashe to switch places? Why did Menashe have to remain on the right-hand side?

Rav Joseph B. Soloveitchik points out that Yaakov is the first one in the Torah to have a relationship with his grandchildren. By connecting with Ephraim and Menashe Yaakov forms a Mesorah community

Delivered at the OU Israel Center, December 18th, 2018 (10 Tevet 5779) This shiur is dedicated in loving memory of Joe Polansky, Yisrael Yosef Meir ben Yaacov Shlomo z"l