«In conferring his blessings, Yaakov focused first on the inspired, caring leadership that would, among its other goals, encourage and allow for each of his sons and tribes to reach for its unique potential. As Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch teaches, such leadership calls for the "courage of youth with the prudence of age"; that is, it calls for the inspired and admired Yehudah.
The tradition of "blessing of the first born" would have Yaakov conferring the blessing of leadership on Reuven, or even Shimon and Levi. And yet, the father knew his sons well; he loved and appreciated their differences. He knew Reuven to be impetuous, Shimon and Levi to tend toward violence and insensitivity. He knew that they were not capable of leading a community in need of sensitivity and sympathy; not capable of recognizing each individual's worth and potential.
In their eyes, the individual would be lost in the sea of community rather than fully integrated as an individual.
Yaakov's sons and their tribes share a common destiny, a destiny that relies on each and every one of them. ...»
To Confer a Blessing - Judaism - Israel National News
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/Articles/Article.aspx/14224#.UqsXzZuwHQU
Kol Tuv,
RRW
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