Ephraim and Menashe

“Who is Osenath the wife of Joseph?”
(Updated and revised from Mikeitz 5760-1999)

The Midrash relates that Dina, who was raped by Shechem, gave birth to a child, Osenath. This child, who was driven from Jacob’s home, is eventually adopted by Potiphar and his wife. Despite the terrible tragedy, Dina’s daughter, Osenath, marries Joseph and becomes the progenitor of two tribes of Israel--Ephraim and Menashe. It is Osenath, the secret heroine, who raises these two children, and keeps them from assimilating in Egypt.

“Blessing the Children--Revisited”

One of the most meaningful and powerful rituals in Judaism--blessing the children on Friday nights and Jewish holidays, is derived from Jacob’s blessing of Joseph’s sons, Ephraim and Menashe, found in parashat Vayechi.

“Jacob Remembers Rachel”

Although Joseph had already sworn to his father, Jacob, that he will bury his father in Canaan, Jacob unexpectedly raises the issue of Joseph’s mother, Rachel, and the fact that Jacob had failed to bury Rachel in the Machpelah Cave together with the other Matriarchs and Patriarchs.

"Blessing the Children"

There is no greater joy for parents than to bask in the blessings of one's children. Unfortunately, there is no greater pain that one can endure than the shame brought upon one's family and on the family of humankind by our children.

"The Struggle Over the Birthright"

It cannot be mere coincidence that in every single instance in the book of Genesis the firstborn child never emerges with the birthright. The Torah wishes to teach that it is not an accident of birth that determines one's stature, but rather personal merit and the quality of one's life.

"Who was Osenath the Wife of Joseph?"

The Midrash relates that Dina, who was raped by Sh'chem, gave birth to a child, Osenath. This child was driven from Jacob's home and is eventually adopted by Potiphar and his wife. Despite the terrible tragedy, Dina's daughter marries Joseph and becomes the progenitor of two tribes of Israel--Ephraim and Menashe. It is Osenath, the secret heroine, who raises these two children, and keeps them from assimilating in Egypt.