Question
Why were Joseph’s sons blessed separately from the other tribes? If Joseph’s sons were made equal to the other tribes wouldn’t it make sense to have them blessed together leaving no doubt of their new elevated status?
Answer
I don’t think that anyone would have doubted their status had Jacob told his sons that he made Joseph’s two sons into tribes. It is possible that Jacob was fearful of causing more jealousy at Joseph so he didn’t want to bless Ephraim and Menashe in front of the other tribes.
All the Best,
Rabbi Meir Goldberg
Rutgers Jewish Xperience