In fourth grade, we learned Parshat Vayechi. My teacher had us memorize all of the blessings that Yaakov bestowed upon his children. At the time, I knew all of them by heart (as well as all the accompanying hand movements), but I didn’t notice any absences. Today, I no longer remember all of the words, but I do see one glaring omission: Where is Dinah?
Before Yaakov dies, he summons his children: “And Jacob called his children/sons and said, “Come together that I may tell you what is to befall you in days to come” (Genesis 49:1).
Although many translations define the word “banim” as sons, it could also be translated as “children.” The choice to define it as sons assumes that Dinah was not to be included in the gathering. Why would Yaakov exclude her?
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