By Rabbi Aharon Seleh: In this week’s Parsha, the question is asked why do we bless our children to be like Ephraim and Menashe specifically? Why not like the other tribes or like our forefathers?
The Sefer Oznaim La’Torah answers Yakov Avinu foresaw our days in Golut, where the nations try to influence us to become like them, and unfortunately, the devastating consequences. On the other hand, Ephraim and Menashe were raised in the most immoral country. Furthermore, Mitzrayim was the height of advanced civilization at that point in history, all the doors were open to Ephraim and Menashe. They were Princes. Every aristocrat wished they would take their daughters as wives. But Ephraim and Menashe were steadfast in their religion. They remained pure. They came every day to learn Torah by Yakov Avinu. May all our children learn the lesson from them!