Many commentators have struggled to justify Yosef's remarks upon the birth of his eldest son, Menashe: "God has made me forget my hardship and my parental home" (41:51). He names his son after the word, "nashani," "has made me forget." How can Yosef express gratitude to God for having helped him forget his family? Perhaps more to the point, how could Yosef forget his family? Did he really just give up his entire past to establish himself in Egypt?
Rav Shimshon Refael Hirsch expresses particular vehemence against attributing such a statement to Yosef. He claims that such an interpretation of this comment renders Yosef an insensitive, heartless man. He therefore presents a novel translation of the word "nashani," claiming that it evolves from the Hebrew word for creditor - "nosheh." Meaning, Yosef acknowledges that his troubles and difficult childhood, which seemed so tragic at the time, actually played a critical role in his ultimate good fortune. He therefore "owes a debt of gratitude" to his sorrowful past for laying the groundwork for his prosperous present.
An equally novel suggestion was offered by the "Tzeror Hamor." He claims that Yosef here refers to the longing for his family he experienced during his days in the Egyptian prison. He thanks the Almighty for helping him forget both his troubles and the painful yearnings for the warmth and security of his family that he felt throughout his years of incarceration.
A third interpretation is adopted by Rav Sa'adya Gaon. He explains that the word "hardship" in this verse actually modifies the following clause, as well: "my parental home." In other words, one must read the verse as follows: "God has made me forget my hardship and [the hardship of] my parental home." Yosef did not forget his past, Heaven forbid. He did, however, forget the troubles and difficulties suffered on account of the friction between him and his brothers. He expresses his appreciation for being able to forget the troubles of the past, though clearly retaining his emotional bond to his past in general.