ספר בראשית

With G-d's Blessing

“All these are the tribes of Yisrael, twelve in number, and this is what their father said to them, he blessed them, each man according to his blessing, he blessed them.” (Bereishis 49:28) The Sfas Emes is puzzled by the seemingly extra word "כל" (all). The tribes represent the extension of the forefathers, akin to the 13 principles used to expound the Torah. The essence of the Torah is beyond human comprehension, much like the elevated status of the forefathers, who serve as the divine chariot. The 12 tribes act as vessels that contain and limit the divine light of the Torah, making it accessible. Yaakov, embodying the Torah, has children who disseminate its teachings.The word "כל" (all) signifies "only" and implies measurement (Yeshaya 40:12) and yearning (Tehillim 143:7). The tribes, similar to the forefathers, are vessels that limit and contain the divine light through their yearning to receive the forefathers' influence. This longing facilitates the Torah's "limitation" and "measures," represented by the 13 principles for expounding the Torah.Thus, "all these are the tribes of Yisrael" indicates that through their yearning and containment, Yaakov could bless them and impart the Torah's teachings, each according to his blessing.