We're looking at the story of Joseph, the favored son, being sent to check on his brothers.

It all starts with the line: "His brothers went to herd their father’s flock in Shekhem" (Genesis 37:12). Simple enough. But look closer. The Rabbis, with their incredible attention to detail, noticed something peculiar. The Hebrew phrase is "lirot et" – "to herd." But there are dots written above the word "et." What could that mean?

According to Bereshit Rabbah 84, those dots are telling us something significant. The brothers went "only to herd themselves." In other words, they were more interested in eating, drinking, and enjoying themselves than actually tending to the flock. They were, shall we say, taking a bit of a personal break at their father's expense.

Then Israel (also known as Jacob) says to Joseph: "Are your brothers not herding in Shekhem? Go, and I will send you to them." (Genesis 37:13). Isn’t it interesting how Jacob phrases this? Rabbi Tanhuma, in the name of Rabbi Berekhya, points out that Jacob treated Joseph with the deference a son owes his father, even though Jacob is the father! Perhaps Jacob sensed the tension between Joseph and his brothers and was trying to soften the request.

Despite the strained relationship, Joseph agrees to go. He replies, "Hineni" – "Here I am." (Genesis 37:13). Such a simple phrase, but according to Rabbi Hama bar Hanina, these words would later tear at Jacob’s insides. Jacob would remember that Joseph, knowing his brothers hated him, still responded with complete obedience. What father wouldn't be wracked with guilt, knowing what awaited his son?

The narrative continues: "Go now, observe the well-being of your brothers and the well-being of the flock and bring me back word." (Genesis 37:14). Wait a minute. The Bereshit Rabbah asks a crucial question here: Why does Jacob ask about the well-being of the flock? Why does he need assurance of their well-being? The Rabbis teach us that a person must inquire about the well-being of anything from which they derive benefit. It's a lesson in gratitude and responsible stewardship. A beautiful sentiment, don't you think?

Finally, the verse says, "He sent him from the valley of Hebron" (Genesis 37:14). But here's another puzzle: Isn't Hebron located in the mountains? Why does it say "valley" (me'emek) of Hebron?

Rav Aḥa offers a profound explanation: Joseph’s journey from Hebron was not just a physical one. It was a journey to fulfill the "deep counsel" (haamuka) that God made with Abraham, who is buried in Hebron. What was that counsel? "They will be enslaved to them, and they will oppress them" (Genesis 15:13). Joseph's trip to Shekhem, seemingly a simple errand, was actually the first step in a divine plan that would lead to the enslavement of the Israelites in Egypt.

So, what can we take away from this tiny slice of Genesis? It’s a reminder that even the smallest details can hold layers of meaning. It’s a lesson in family dynamics, obedience, responsibility, and divine providence. It shows us how the Rabbis, through their meticulous reading and insightful interpretations, could unpack the depths of the Torah. And maybe, just maybe, it encourages us to look a little closer at the stories we think we know. What hidden gems might we find waiting for us?