Why Jacob Loved Joseph and the Coat of Pasim

"And Israel loved Joseph" — because his likeness, his form, and his resemblance were similar to his own. Another interpretation: because all the laws that had been transmitted to Jacob, he transmitted to him. "A coat of pasim" — A person should never distinguish [his son] among his sons, for on account of the coat of pasim that Jacob made for Joseph the matter unfolded and our ancestors went down to Egypt. "Pasim" — because it reached to the sole (pas) of his foot. Another interpretation: "pasim" — that they cast lots (hefisu) over it, as to which of them would bring it to their father. Another interpretation: "PaSIM" is a notarikon (acronym) for the troubles that came upon him: P — Potiphar; S — the officer (saris) of Pharaoh; Y — the Ishmaelites; M — the Midianites.