A new chapter – we move away from the story of patriarchs and focus on the saga of the Israelites. Joseph’s success at the end of Genesis shifts radically into enslavement. The new Pharoah who “did not know Joseph” is reminiscent of the fickle unpredictability of being a stranger in a strange land. Today’s hero becomes tomorrow pariah.
A new pharaoh sat on the throne
But Joseph to him was not known
Of the Jews he said rudely
“We must deal with them shrewdly
Lest they try to make Egypt their own”
We have reached the end of the Joseph Saga. The entire clan is ensconced in Egypt. Jacob is on on his deathbed. Just before he dies he blesses each of his sons. Then he calls for Joseph’s two sons, Ephraim and Menasheh. Joseph presents his sons to his father – with Menasheh at the right, and Ephraim at the left – as was the custom – Menasheh, the eldest should get the primary blessing. But, as was the family tradition, the younger, Ephraim, superceded the elder and received the blessing instead.
With Menasheh and Ephraim
Israel takes his sweet time
While on his death bed
He Crosses hands o’er their head
And pronounces the blessing sublime
- Vayikra Limerick - March 14, 2013
- A new Purim Limerick for a divided Congress. - February 21, 2013
- A New Tu B’Shvat Limerick - January 25, 2013