When Yaakov blessed Yosef’s children, Menashe and Ephraim, he crossed his hands in order to place his right hand on Ephraim’s head. He explained that although Menashe was the firstborn, and therefore entitled to the greater honor, Ephraim would grow to be greater than him. Why then didn’t Yaakov just bless Menashe that he be greater than Ephraim, instead of switching his hands? The kinderlach said that Ephraim’s personal spiritual greatness caused his greater populace and fame. Personal spiritual greatness is achieved by hard work, not blessings. It would not do for Yaakov to bless Menashe, if Ephraim’s children had worked harder than them!
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