By Rabbi Joshua Dorsch
SAN DIEGO — In our Torah portion this week, before Jacob passes away he blesses his grandchildren Ephraim and Manasseh. Afterwards, the Torah teaches that all of Israel is to be blessed by them. That is why traditionally, on Friday night, when children are blessed by their parents they are blessed to be like Ephraim and Manasseh.
Given all of the important patriarchs and heroes in the Bible, they seem to be somewhat of an unusual choice for all of Israel to be blessed by. We are not blessed to be like Abraham, Moses, or King David, but rather Jacob’s relatively unknown grandchildren, and I would like to suggest a reason as to why.
The Bible tells us almost nothing about Ephraim and Manasseh, what they did, who they were or the things they accomplished. Therefore, when we are blessed to be like them, there is no pressure, and no expectations upon which we are being blessed to meet. When children are blessed to be like Ephraim and Manasseh, they are simply being blessed. They are being blessed to be who they are, and whoever they want to be.
That is why it is my hope and prayer for all of us this Shabbat and beyond, that we may all be blessed to be like Ephraim and Manasseh. In the coming year, may we all be blessed in ways that are important to us, as individuals and as families with different priorities, desires, and needs.
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Rabbi Dorsch is spiritual leader of Tifereth Israel Synagogue. He may be contacted via joshua.dorsch@sdjewishworld.com