This verse is the source of a common Jewish tradition. On Friday nights in many Jewish homes, fathers bless their sons with these very words: “May God make you like Ephraim and Menashe.” (Girls are blessed “like Sarah, Rivka, Rachel and Leah.”) The intention of the blessing is to offer children strength in the face of adversity: although Egypt at the time was known for its immorality, Ephraim and Menashe grew up righteous and worthy enough to be counted among the tribes of Israel. We bless our children that they should draw on such fortitude. Get a beautiful Blessing for the Home, in Hebrew and English, from the non-profit Israeli organization, Meir Panim.
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