These are the generations of Yakov, Yosef (37:2) The name Yosef comes from the Hebrew meaning to add or increase. Yakov is symbolic of every Jew. The lesson to be derived is that a Jew must never allow himself to stagnate, but must always climb upward along the spiritual "ladder" of Yiddishkeit. (Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Riminov)Reprinted from the Parshat Vayeishev 5786 email of R’ Yedidye Hirtenfeld’s whY I Matter parsha sheet for the Young Israel of Midwood in Brooklyn.

The Importance of Never Stagnating