Parsha discussion

Question:  When יוסף first answers פרעה, he doesn’t say that הקב״ה provides the interpretations of dreams (as he had told his fellow prisoners), rather gives a far wider reaching answer. Why? Approach: it would seem that יוסף understands that dreams are messages from הקב״ה and are therefore meant to give a message of some description. Whereas the dreams of the attendants were clearly meant as personal, direct messages for them as individuals (and hence why they were told that הקב״ה interprets dreams), the dreams of פרעה are obviously meant to have a national (and perhaps international) impact. As such, יוסף has to calm פרעה that the interpretations will relate to the wider wellbeing of the Pharoah and his kingdom.

Question:  Why do the brothers send the bloodied כתונת פסים ahead of them? Why not bring it home themselves? Approach: S eemingly, the brothers wanted to try to deflect any possible blame from themselves, and therefore acted to cover up their actions. Using animal blood helped create the illusion of an animal attack. Sending the קטונת פסים ahead gave the impression that they were clearly concerned for their brother, as well as allowing יעקב time to digest the facts presented and start mourning before the brothers came home; thereby allowing for any possible suspicion to be allayed.

Question:  How do we understand the fact that the “person” asks Yaakov his name before changing it? Surely he knew who he was ahead of the “fight”? Approach: Based on the fact that names are often given along with a reason (see especially all of the שבטים), it appears that a name is meant to be reflective of personality and individual traits. Seemingly then, the “man” cannot understand how the name of his opponent is יעקב - which would seem to imply a certain passivity and follower status - and hence the blessing is to amend the name to that with a meaning of leadership and power.

Question:  What is the meaning of the word ואולם in 28:19? Approach : looking at other places where this word is used in the תורה, it appears that it is used to describe a complete about-turn and change. For example, it is used to explain to פרעה why he is being kept alive despite being deserving of death. In this context, it seems that the meaning is that the city would no longer be known by its former name (of לוז), but rather by the new name (of בית א-ל)