Every Friday evening, Jewish families around the world partake in an age-old tradition: the ceremonial Shabbat dinner. This sacred ritual marks the weekly transition into the Sabbath, a time of rest and spiritual reflection. The evening commences with the lighting of Shabbat candles by the matriarch of the household, signifying the beginning of this holy day. Following this, family members engage in a series of blessings and songs, including the traditional benedictions over the wine and bread, which are essential staples of the meal. Additionally, a beautiful serenade from Psalms 31 honoring Jewish women adds to the spirituality of the moment.
One of the most cherished parts of this Shabbat dinner is the blessing bestowed upon the children. For Jewish parents, this moment transcends the ordinary; it is an opportunity to connect with the divine at the Shabbat table, creating an atmosphere that resonates with both reverence and joy. This practice, steeped in tradition, involves a specific blessing for daughters, invoking the names of the matriarchs: “May God make you like Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah.” This blessing, rooted in the religious texts, reflects the honorable heritage and spiritual legacy of these foundational figures in the Torah.
In contrast, the blessing for sons diverges significantly with the words: “May God make you like Ephraim and Menasseh.” To those unfamiliar with the Torah, this particular invocation might raise eyebrows, as Ephraim and Menasseh are comparatively obscure characters within the larger narrative of the Hebrew scriptures. Unlike celebrated patriarchs such as Abraham or Moses, these two grandsons of Jacob do not utter a single word in the entirety of the Torah. This raises an intriguing question about the rationale behind choosing these two figures for the blessing of sons—a choice that seems to defy traditional expectations.
Interestingly, the blessing given to Jewish boys on Friday night derives from a remarkable biblical account where the blessing was not given by a father, but rather by a grandfather, Jacob—who is also referred to as Israel. This unique lineage draws attention to the profound significance of the grandparent-grandchild relationship present in Jewish tradition. Ephraim and Menasseh mark a rare connection in the scriptures, being two characters who interact with a grandparent, reinforcing the importance of generational ties within the framework of familial blessings.
In this context, the choice of naming them comes with deeper implications. The Torah indicates a remarkable insight about human flourishing by highlighting the role of grandparents. This connection is evident in the text of Exodus 1:1, which explicitly states, “These are the names of the sons of Israel who are coming to Egypt. With Jacob—each man came with his household.” The text cleverly uses both names of the patriarch—Jacob representing the past and Israel symbolizing the journey of becoming. This distinction underlines the essence of nurturing and raising children, extending into grandparenthood, which, according to studies, holds substantial benefits.
In a broader perspective, scientific research supports the notion of grandparental influence on family dynamics. Striking findings highlight that active grandparents enhance the wellbeing of both their grandchildren and themselves. Studies reveal that active engagement with grandchildren promotes not only mental agility but also longevity among grandparents, while simultaneously benefiting grandchildren’s academic and emotional development.
For instance, investigations led by Professor Kristen Hawkes have articulated the “grandmother hypothesis,” proposing that the presence of active grandparents in a family unit encourages the middle generation to thrive and reproduce. As such, the involvement of grandparents acts as a nurturing force in the familial fabric, creating layers of support and continuity.
With these vital roles in mind, the core of the grandparent-grandchild relationship emerges. It’s not merely about nostalgia or reminiscing the “glory days”; rather, it’s about fostering dreams and resilience in the younger generation. A 2020 study from Hong Kong University articulates the importance of “future consequence appreciation,” underscoring that grandparental engagement that looks forward, rather than backward, proves significantly beneficial for both parties involved.
In essence, the tradition of blessing sons with the names of Ephraim and Menasseh transcends simple ritual; it embodies a larger narrative of connection, continuity, and the significant role of grandparents in shaping futures. As represented by Israel’s blessing, this sacred act underlines a profound truth about love, hope, and the binding nature of familial relationships across generations.
Mark Gerson, author and philanthropist, emphasizes these themes in his upcoming book “God Was Right: How Modern Social Science Proves the Torah Is True,” where he explores the intersection of ancient wisdom and contemporary understanding. Such narratives invite us to appreciate the intricate dynamics of family roles and the enduring legacies that shape human lives across time.
