Jacob’s favoritism towards Joseph sets off a chain of events. The other brothers are jealous of Joseph and plot against him. This is a strong lesson to parents to show all their children their love equally.
This week marks a major transition in Sefer Bereishit. Until now, Yaakov has been the central figure. Starting this parashah, he steps into the background. He is still present, but the Torah shifts its focus to the next generation—his sons.
And it begins with one of the greatest mistakes a parent can make: favoritism.
Yaakov openly favors Yosef. He gives him the ketonet passim—often translated as a “coat of many colors,” but more accurately, a long-sleeved, ornamental garment. Yosef’s brothers are shepherds; they work with their hands. You don’t wear long sleeves to do manual labor. This coat wasn’t just clothing—it was a statement: I’m different. I’m above you.
When Yosef arrives wearing that coat and then tells his brothers about dreams in which they bow to him, it only deepens their resentment. At this stage, Yosef is immature—spoiled, even—lording his favored status over his brothers.
And then Yaakov makes another baffling decision: he sends Yosef alone to check on his brothers, fully aware of the tension. How could he not sense their anger?
The result is tragic but formative. Yosef is sold into slavery and sent to Egypt—not as punishment, but as preparation. There, through suffering and responsibility, he will learn what true leadership really means.
Running parallel to Yosef’s story is Yehuda’s. Yehuda is a “good-time” guy, impulsive and self-confident. It takes Tamar—and a painful confrontation—to bring him down to earth. Together, these two narratives show different paths toward growth, accountability, and leadership.
On a personal note, this parashah has special meaning for me. Fifty-three years ago, during infantry basic training in the IDF, our drill instructor stopped us in the Emek and asked, “Do you know what happened here?”
“This is where Yosef was sold by his brothers.”
Anyone who’s been through basic training knows most of it becomes a blur—but that moment stayed with me. Standing there as a young soldier, realizing that my connection to this land goes back to Yosef and his brothers—that was unforgettable.
And that brings us to the core lesson of the parashah:
If you have children, do not show favoritism.
Love them all equally. Treat them all with dignity.
Otherwise, you risk replaying the tragedy that began with Yosef.
Something to think about.
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