Benjamin was the youngest son of Jacob. His mother Rachel died giving birth to him. He was especially beloved of Jacob and when he and his brothers traveled to Egypt to ask for food, Joseph accused Benjamin of stealing from him. Benjamin's brothers defended him, showing that they'd changed and grown.
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The Beloved of the Lord
TALMUD
Benjamin, son of Jacob, was one of the seven individuals over whom worms and maggots had no sway after death, highlighting his unique status as 'the beloved of the Lord' who rests securely even in death. The Talmudic tractate Bava Batra discusses the unique status of Benjamin and other revered figures, emphasizing their exceptional posthumous purity.
Testing Brotherhood
COMMENTARY
Joseph's actions towards his brothers, especially Benjamin, are a deliberate test to see if they have overcome their past jealousy. Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, in his commentary on the Torah portion 'Vayigash,' explores the themes of repentance and reconciliation through Joseph's interactions with his brothers.
The Unique Legacy of Benjamin
MIDRASH
The tribe of Benjamin holds a unique place in Jewish history, providing Israel with its first and last rulers and being deeply connected to the Temple service. Louis Ginzberg’s early 20th-century work, Legends of the Jews, weaves together midrashic tales to highlight the prophetic and historical significance of Benjamin's tribe.
Yehudah’s Strategic Appeal
COMMENTARY
Judah's wisdom in addressing Joseph highlights the power of appealing to conscience and empathy over anger and accusations. Rabbi Francis Nataf delves into the complex family dynamics and themes of repentance and forgiveness.
The Belovedness of Benjamin
MIDRASH
Benjamin is especially beloved because he is called 'yedid' of God, a term that signifies the highest form of belovedness, shared by only a select few in Jewish tradition. The Sifrei, a classical midrashic commentary on Deuteronomy, elaborates on the special status of Benjamin and other figures called 'yedid' (beloved) by God.
Judah's Atonement for Benjamin
MUSAR
Judah's personal responsibility and suffering for Benjamin serves as a profound form of atonement for his role in selling Joseph. In Shemirat HaLashon, Rabbi Yisrael Meir Kagan (the Chofetz Chaim) explores the ethical and moral dimensions of speech, using the biblical story of Judah and Joseph to highlight themes of repentance and responsibility.
Jacob's Grief and the Twelve Tribes
TARGUM
Jacob's profound grief over Joseph and his fear of losing Benjamin underscore the emotional and spiritual foundation of the twelve tribes of Israel. The Targum Jerusalem, an Aramaic translation and interpretation of the Hebrew Bible, provides a poignant reflection on Jacob's deep sense of loss and concern for his sons.
The Son of His Mother
KABBALAH
The emotional and physical resemblance between Benjamin and his mother Rachel is so striking that Joseph immediately recognizes him as 'the son of his mother.' The Zohar, a central text of Jewish mysticism, delves into the deep emotional and spiritual connections between biblical figures, offering profound insights into their relationships.
Convincing Jacob
COMMENTARY
Jacob's protective nature towards Benjamin made it extremely difficult for his brothers to convince him to let Benjamin travel to Egypt. The 18th-century commentary Or HaChaim by Rabbi Chaim ibn Attar delves into the brothers' struggle to obtain Jacob's permission for Benjamin's journey.
The Naming of Benjamin
COMMENTARY
Jacob chose to transform Rachel's dying words into a positive name for their son, highlighting the power of interpretation and positivity. Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz's modern translation and commentary on the Hebrew Bible offers a clear and engaging explanation of the significance behind Benjamin's name.
A Bond of Loss and Connection
COMMENTARY
The shared sense of loss and connection between Joseph and Benjamin, both being motherless, is a poignant aspect of their relationship. Rashi, the renowned 11th-century French biblical commentator, provides insight into the emotional dynamics between Joseph and Benjamin in Genesis 43:33:1.
Joseph and Benjamin's Reunion
COMMENTARY
The emotional and compassionate interaction between Joseph and Benjamin highlights Joseph's deep affection for his brother and the cultural differences that necessitated separate dining arrangements. Tze'enah Ure'enah, a late 16th-century Yiddish commentary on the Torah, provides accessible explanations and stories.
 The Cup Found, James Tissot, 1896-1902
The Cup Found, James Tissot, 1896-1902
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