There is an obvious question (on the Parsh):
Why did Yaakov cross his hands? He could have just as easily had the tow sons switch sides and yet for some reason he opted to cross his arms.
The Noam Elimelech explains that while Yaakov Avinu felt compelled to place Efraim before Menashe he also tried to avoid making a big deal out of it so as not to offend Menashe.
There are two other noteworthy aspects in Yaakov Avinu's behavior. Yaakov Avinu didn't explain himself to Yosef or to Efraim and Menashe. He did what he needed to do and left it at that. Additionally, after Yosef prompted an explanation, Yaakov Avinu praised Menashe and added that Efraim would be even greater. Yaakov Avinu didn't say that Menashe wouldn't be as great as Efraim so as not to imply that there was some sort of flaw in Menashe; rather, Yaakov Avinu emphasized the greatness of both of them.
We are all Yaakov Avinu's children. Not only are we all Avrohom, Yitzchok, and Yaakov's children, but we are Hashem's children. While at times some of us are more right or better than some others among us, we must always bear in mind that all of Bnei-Yisroel are great by virtue of the fact that they are Jews. We must find the positive in every Jew.
outorah.org
The story is told about the Baal Shem Tov that a father came to him to ask for guidance in dealing with his son who was no longer Torah observant. Distraught, the father asked the Baal Shem Tov how he should deal with his son- to which the Baal Shem Tov replied, “the best thing way for you to deal with your son is to love him even more”.
yutorah.org
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