"And he held up his father's hand, to remove it from Efraim's head to Menashe's head .... And his father refused, and said, I know It my son, I know It" (Breishis 48:17)
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In this week's parsha Yaakov blesses his grandchildren Menashe and Efraim. Instead of placing his right hand on the head of Menashe, the first born, he crosses his hands and sets his right hand on the head of Etraim. When Yosef attempts to uncross the hands, Yaakov responds that he knows exactly what he Is doing. Efralm is really more deserving. The Midrash adds that Yaakov said to Yosef that he was trying to move the hands that fought and prevailed over the Angel of Eisav. Rebbe Yochanon further said that Yaakov's arms were like the pillars of the highest building in Tiberlas What is the Midrash teaching us? Certainly more than just to say that Yaakov had phenomenal strength. What message was Yaakov giving to Yosef at that moment? Perhaps Yaakov was expressing to Yosef that he should realize whom he was trying to correct. Who can triumph over an Angel, only a master. Yaakov told Yosef, "I know it, my son, I know it" and you should have realized that everything I do is calculated and proper. The lesson for us from the Midrash is to comprehend the greatness of our Sages. Before we weigh our own opinions against theirs we must keep in mind their greatness and wisdom. What we don't understand we must attribute to our own lackings, and give them the benefit of the doubt. In this way our great Rabbis will guide us along the path of righteousness.
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