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Parsha
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Mikeitz
Two years after the wine steward’s release, Joseph himself still languishes in prison. But now Providence intervenes.
Pharaoh has two dreams: seven thin cows swallow seven robust ones; seven windblown ears of grain swallow seven plump ones. Pharaoh is frustrated by his courtiers’ failure to offer a satisfying interpretation.
The wine steward suddenly “remembers” Joseph, recounting the story of his own dream and Joseph’s correct interpretation. Joseph is rushed from prison and presented to Pharaoh. He explains to the king that seven years of unprecedented prosperity will be followed by seven years of famine so devastating that they will “swallow” all memory of the good years. Joseph advises Pharaoh to appoint an “understanding and wise man” to oversee a food storage program. “There is none as understanding and wise as you,” declares Pharaoh. He hands Joseph his royal ring, catapulting him instantly from convict to ruler of all Egypt, second only to the king.
Joseph organizes the storage of surplus; when the famine sets in, he sets up a distribution program. Residents of surrounding lands flock to Egypt, enriching the royal coffers. Throughout these years, Joseph makes no move to contact his family; he will be very deliberate and calculated when he makes his move.
Jacob send his sons to Egypt for food. Ten of them travel together; Joseph is still missing, and Benjamin – Rachel’s other son - is kept home by Jacob, who fears to let him travel.
When the brothers reach Egypt, Joseph, who has been carefully monitoring all arrivals, confronts them and accuses them of spying. He will exonerate them only if they confirm their story by bringing Benjamin to Egypt; in the meantime, Joseph arrests Simon and holds him hostage. The frightened brothers, who do not recognize Joseph, interpret their misfortunes as Divine retribution - not for selling Joseph, which they still believe was warranted, but for performing the necessary deed with insufficient compassion.
The brothers return to Canaan and tell their father about the Egyptian ruler’s demands. A distraught Jacob refuses to allow Benjamin to leave; eventually he relents, after Judah personally guarantees Benjamin’s safety.
The brothers return to Egypt. Joseph greets them warmly. The twelve brothers dine together, and part on good terms– but Joseph secretly plants a silver goblet in Benjamin’s bag. The goblet is “discovered”; Joseph “magnanimously” declares that only Benjamin will be punished, remaining in Egypt as his slave.
The stage is set. Under these extreme conditions, Joseph hopes to learn something about his brothers, and ascertain whether the time has come to reveal his identity. On this uncharacteristically suspenseful note, the Parsha ends.
Pharaoh has two dreams: seven thin cows swallow seven robust ones; seven windblown ears of grain swallow seven plump ones. Pharaoh is frustrated by his courtiers’ failure to offer a satisfying interpretation.
The wine steward suddenly “remembers” Joseph, recounting the story of his own dream and Joseph’s correct interpretation. Joseph is rushed from prison and presented to Pharaoh. He explains to the king that seven years of unprecedented prosperity will be followed by seven years of famine so devastating that they will “swallow” all memory of the good years. Joseph advises Pharaoh to appoint an “understanding and wise man” to oversee a food storage program. “There is none as understanding and wise as you,” declares Pharaoh. He hands Joseph his royal ring, catapulting him instantly from convict to ruler of all Egypt, second only to the king.
Joseph organizes the storage of surplus; when the famine sets in, he sets up a distribution program. Residents of surrounding lands flock to Egypt, enriching the royal coffers. Throughout these years, Joseph makes no move to contact his family; he will be very deliberate and calculated when he makes his move.
Jacob send his sons to Egypt for food. Ten of them travel together; Joseph is still missing, and Benjamin – Rachel’s other son - is kept home by Jacob, who fears to let him travel.
When the brothers reach Egypt, Joseph, who has been carefully monitoring all arrivals, confronts them and accuses them of spying. He will exonerate them only if they confirm their story by bringing Benjamin to Egypt; in the meantime, Joseph arrests Simon and holds him hostage. The frightened brothers, who do not recognize Joseph, interpret their misfortunes as Divine retribution - not for selling Joseph, which they still believe was warranted, but for performing the necessary deed with insufficient compassion.
The brothers return to Canaan and tell their father about the Egyptian ruler’s demands. A distraught Jacob refuses to allow Benjamin to leave; eventually he relents, after Judah personally guarantees Benjamin’s safety.
The brothers return to Egypt. Joseph greets them warmly. The twelve brothers dine together, and part on good terms– but Joseph secretly plants a silver goblet in Benjamin’s bag. The goblet is “discovered”; Joseph “magnanimously” declares that only Benjamin will be punished, remaining in Egypt as his slave.
The stage is set. Under these extreme conditions, Joseph hopes to learn something about his brothers, and ascertain whether the time has come to reveal his identity. On this uncharacteristically suspenseful note, the Parsha ends.