Living Torah Archives

The Tzemach Tzedek explains that Joseph’s success was above the natural order. Success transcends order, whereas blessing serves to “pull or draw” something from one place to another, from a concealed state to a revealed one, showing that it is rooted within nature.

“The Talmud and commentaries explain that the word ‘bracha – blessing’ comes from the expression “one who bends a grapevine.” A blessing is certainly a good thing, but it requires the person’s involvement as well, to ‘sow,’ ‘plow,’ and ‘harvest’ its fruits.”