Shefa’s third and fourth grades finished learning Parshat Vayeshev this week and at their siyum, as is tradition, they shared what they had learned with others.

The students learned that Yosef’s ketonet pasim (colorful garment) is a symbol for different themes in the Yosef story.

The different classes studied five different stages of Yosef’s ketonet pasim and worked together to create our own ketonet pasim. Each class was in charge of designing one of the stages and analyzing the symbol of the coat. At the siyum, there was even an appearance from Yosef himself!

Shtilim designed the first stage of the ketonet pasim. In their stage, Yosef’s ketonet pasim is a symbol of Yaakov’s love for Yosef. They included pictures of colorful hearts and rainbow coats. Additionally, they drew images of Yosef as the favorite son.

Bikkurim designed the second stage of the ketonet pasim. In their stage, Yosef’s ketonet pasim is a symbol of the brothers’ jealousy, hatred and confidence to kill their brother Yosef. They included the coat as it’s being ripped off of Yosef and the pit that he’s thrown into right after.

Givolim designed the third stage of the ketonet pasim. In their stage, Yosef’s ketonet pasim is a symbol of the brother’s hatred towards Yosef. They included the brothers killing the goat for blood, colorful designs and the brothers dipping the ketonet in blood.

Rimonim designed the fourth stage of the ketonet pasim. In their stage, Yosef’s ketonet pasim is a symbol of trickery, death and lying. They drew the messengers giving the bloody or ripped ketonet to Israel. They also included sad images because Yaakov thinks Yosef died.

Zaytim designed the fifth stage of the ketonet pasim. In their stage, Yosef’s ketonet pasim is a symbol of sadness, mourning and grief. They included broken hearts, Yaakov crying and sad faces. They also included Yaakov having a meltdown because he was so upset.