Jewish parents bless their sons each Sabbath with the words, “May God make you like Ephraim and Manasseh.” Out of all the Biblical heroes possible to emulate, what is special about Ephraim and Manasseh? The two sons of Joseph play a very significant role in the formation of the Jewish people. They are the first of Abraham’s family to be born in Egypt, and they still remain loyal to the traditions of their ancestors despite their physical disconnection from the Land of Israel. This verse, therefore, represents a key to the survival of the Jewish people and to their return to Israel in the future. Did you like this Torah insight? Then you'll LOVE The Israel Bible!
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