Summary: Dena Weiss. As Ya’akov sees that the time has come, he summons his grandchildren and his sons to bless them and guide them before it is too late. Yet, the berakhot (blessings) that Ya’akov bestows on his three eldest sons are not particularly encouraging or uplifting. Instead of praising them and promising them bright futures, he uses this opportunity to rebuke them. Why does he beg heaven for the opportunity to bless them and then appear to do just the opposite?
