‘The coat of many colors.’ Probably of the most well known narratives in the Torah. We’ve all grown up with this story; heard it one way or another, it’s plot been the stuff of a good deal of literature, arts and even music. Dolly Parton has her own rendition.
What is it about this coat that fascinates us so?
It is a tale full of human emotion. It is about a father so besotted with his son that he chooses to give him alone something special. He favors him over the others and creates an envy among them so strong they want him dead.
As both a daughter and a mother myself, I find this troublesome. A favored child? Really? I find it difficult to think of my favorite child. As I think about the incredible qualities of the one, I’m quickly reminded of the extraordinary characteristics of another and then another until it is clear that every single one is unique and gifted with their own set of genius. How could a father be so blunt, so outright, so tactless? No wonder they were jealous.
Jealousy is a terrible thing. It can drive some to terrible lows and awful conduct. But what does it come from? Why the hate?
In general, jealousy comes from significant insecurities. When we are constantly looking over our shoulders assessing what he is doing, what she is wearing, where they are living, what car they’re driving and comparing it to our lousy state of affairs. Instead of staying focused on our own G-d given talents, strengths and gifts that make us uniquely us and thinking about the contribution that we could be giving to humanity; the world.
So what was it about Joseph of which they were so envious? What was it that enamored him to his father to the extent that he handcrafted him such a personal gift?
The brothers knew they were destined for greatness. They knew that of them would become the great nation of Israel, yet they were busy herding sheep. By contrast, at seventeen years of age, Josef was a dreamer. He spoke of kingship, of being a leader, of being the chosen one.
Jacob knew that it was only he who dreams it whose dreams come true. And so he favored him, because he knew that the fruition of this prophecy would be through his dreamer son Josef.
So, what have you dreamed about lately? Remember, it’s only dreamers who still believe that dreams come true.