For the source text click/tap here: Bava Batra 123
To download, click/tap here: PDF
The Gemara discusses the double portion of the firstborn. There could be a number of ways to actualize a double portion. The considerations might be different if there were five brothers or only two brothers involved in the inheritance.
The rabbis consider the experiences of our forefathers - for example, Joseph. Although he was not the firstborn son, he was offered the birthright, which included all of the rights of the firstborn son. Many potential prooftext are offered to demonstrate that Joseph's portion was double the property received by one of the inheritors (his brothers).
We ask why Joseph received his brother's birthright. Is it because Joseph gave so much to his father Jacob that Jacob felt he must repay Joseph in this way? Is it because of Reuven's earlier sin that Jacob gave the double portion to Joseph?
Rabbi Yonatan tells us Leah's son with Jacob should have been given the birthright.
But Rachel's resulting patience and humility warranted Joseph receiving Jacob's birthright.
We explore the characters of these biblical figures.