5786/2025
In Parashat VaYeishev, the Torah describes Yosef’s dreams and the growing tension between him and his brothers. One of the most puzzling Pesukim comes when Yosef tells his brothers the second dream: “VaYomer Hineh HaShemesh V’HaYareach V’Achad Asar Kochavim Mishtachavim Li” “Behold, the sun, the moon, and eleven stars were bowing down to me” (BeReishit 37:9).
This raises a clear question. Yosef’s father, Yaakov, reacts strongly to this dream, asking how both parents could bow to him, since Rachel had already passed away. If Yaakov Avinu knew that dreams have deeper meaning, why does he criticize Yosef so sharply?
Several Mefarshim offer different perspectives on Yaakov’s reaction and on the purpose of Yosef sharing the dream.
Rashi explains that Yaakov understood that the dream was meaningful and potentially prophetic. His criticism was not because he rejected the dream, but because he wanted to calm the jealousy of the brothers. Outwardly, he rebuked Yosef, but inwardly he “kept the matter in mind,” meaning he believed there was truth in it (Rashi, Bereishit 37:11). According to Rashi, Yaakov Avinu’s reaction is more about protecting his sons from hatred than denying Yosef’s greatness.
The Ramban offers a different view. He says Yosef made a mistake by telling the dream. Even if the dream was true, sharing it caused unnecessary hatred. Yosef had a responsibility to be sensitive to the family dynamics. Ramban sees the whole story as teaching the danger of speaking too openly, even about true things. Yaakov Avinu rebukes him because he sees the tension rising and wants to stop it before it gets worse.
The Seforno suggests that Yosef did not tell the dreams out of arrogance, but because he genuinely believed they were a form of divine message that the family should consider. Yaakov Avinu’s rebuke is directed not at Yosef’s intent but at the interpretation. Yaakov questions whether Yosef is understanding the dream too literally, since it’s impossible for Rachel to bow down. The Sforno says Yaakov was teaching Yosef that even divine messages require careful interpretation.
Together, these three approaches build a powerful lesson for us. Rashi focuses on managing jealousy, the Ramban on speaking with sensitivity, and the Sforno on interpreting messages wisely. All three revolve around one theme: even when we believe we are doing the right thing, the way we speak and act still impacts the people around us.
In our lives, we often feel confident in our ideas, talents, or goals, like how Yosef felt confident in his dreams. But VaYeishev reminds us that timing, sensitivity, and humility matter just as much as the action itself. Sometimes the message is true, but the way we share it determines how it will be received. If we learn to balance humility with empathy, we can build stronger relationships and have a much greater impact, just as Yosef ultimately did in Mitzrayim.