מאי קדמתה לאה ברחמים דכתיב (בראשית כט, יז) ועיני לאה רכות מאי רכות אילימא רכות ממש אפשר בגנות בהמה טמאה לא דבר הכתוב דכתיב (בראשית ז, ח) מן הבהמה הטהורה ומן הבהמה אשר איננה טהורה בגנות צדיקים דבר הכתוב אלא א"ר אלעזר שמתנותיה ארוכות
Scripture said, Ephraim and Manasseh, even as Reuben and Simeon shall be mine.<span class="x" onmousemove="('comment',' Gen. XLVIII, 5. Reuben and Simeon were two separate tribes, and Joseph was promised two shares as if he represented two distinct tribes.
');"><sup>24</sup></span> R. Helbo enquired of R. Samuel b. Nahmani: What [reason] did Jacob see for taking away the birthright from Reuben and giving it to Joseph? — What did he see? [Surely] it is written, Forasmuch as he defiled his father's couch! But, [this is the question]: What [reason] did he see for giving it to Joseph? — Let me give you a parable. This thing may be compared<span class="x" onmousemove="('comment',' Lit., 'to what is the thing like'.
');"><sup>25</sup></span>
Midrash Tanchuma Buber
Another interpretation (of Gen. 30:23): GOD HAS TAKEN AWAY < MY SHAME >. In the hour that Rebekah gave birth to Jacob and Esau, two daughters were born to Laban. They sent letters to each other, saying: You have given birth to two daughters; and I, to two sons. Let us give them to each other. When Leah heard about Esau's conduct, she would cry; but, when Rachel heard about Jacob's conduct she would be happy. [Where is it shown that Leah cried? Where it is stated] (in Gen. 29:17): AND LEAH'S EYES WERE WEAK. The interpreter of R. Jose interpreted < the verse as follows > : What is the meaning of WEAK? Bleary {i.e., circular}. R. Johanan said to him: You did not interpret well. Then what is the meaning of WEAK (rakkot)? Long (arukkot), because all that the Holy One gave her (through her children) was long < -lasting > : high priesthood, kingship, and anointing oil. Then, when Leah gave birth for Jacob, Rachel was depressed, saying: Perhaps Esau will take her, since I have not given birth to a child. But when she had given birth to Joseph, she said (in Gen. 30:23): GOD HAS TAKEN AWAY MY SHAME. Now there is no shame but foreskin, as stated (concerning foreskin in Gen. 34:14): FOR THAT IS SHAME TO US. (Gen. 30:24:) SO SHE CALLED HIS NAME JOSEPH (Yosef), SAYING: MAY THE LORD ADD (yosef) ANOTHER SON FOR ME. The Holy Spirit foresaw < here > that she would only bear one other son.
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