Quotations from Rabbi Chaim Manis HaLevi
Rabbinical Sources on the Tribes as collated for Brit-Am by Rabbi David Feldman:
Joseph:
Source:
"Ashed HaNachalim," by Rabbi Chaim Manis HaLevi:
Midrash Breisht Rabah 84:6
Joseph is mentioned just after Jaacob,
"These are the generations of Jacob, Joseph..."
Joseph was the spitting image of Jacob, the life-story of Joseph parallels that of Jacob.
Midrash Tanchumah, "VaYigash," 6: Joseph parallels Zion.
Zohar (Breishit, 226): "Joseph merited the bessing given to Jacob of the Upper and Lower Waters,
Genesis 49: 25...
With blessings of heaven above,
Blessings of the deep that lies beneath.
Joseph supplied foods to all Israel and to the entire world.
Midrash Tanchumah, "Nasa", 30: The Red Sea split in sunder (when the Israelites came out of Egypt) due to the merit of Joseph.
Yalkut Shimeoni, Tehilim, 817: The Jordan River split in sunder (when the Israelites under Joshua were entering the Land of Canaan) due to the merit of Joseph.
Jacob sent to Joseph the blue dye ("techelet") which was a sign of Royalty.
Joseph was humble and modest and self-deprecating.
Mordecai the Jews from the Tribe of Benjamin in the Book of Esther had aspects of Joseph.