Parashat Mikeitz

Parashat Mikeitz continues the story of Joseph, focusing on his rise to power in Egypt, the fulfillment of his dreams, and his interactions with his brothers during a time of famine. The parashah highlights themes of divine providence, reconciliation, and personal growth. Here’s a summary:

1. Pharaoh’s Dreams

  • Two years after Joseph interprets the dreams of the cupbearer and baker, Pharaoh has two troubling dreams:
    • Seven healthy cows are devoured by seven gaunt cows.
    • Seven full ears of grain are swallowed by seven thin ears of grain.
  • None of Pharaoh’s advisers can interpret the dreams. The cupbearer remembers Joseph and recommends him to Pharaoh.

2. Joseph Interprets Pharaoh’s Dreams

  • Joseph is summoned from prison, and he attributes his interpretive ability to God.
  • He explains that the dreams foretell seven years of abundance in Egypt, followed by seven years of severe famine.
  • Joseph advises Pharaoh to appoint a wise administrator to store surplus grain during the years of plenty to prepare for the famine.

3. Joseph Becomes Viceroy

  • Impressed by Joseph’s wisdom and divine insight, Pharaoh appoints him as viceroy of Egypt, second only to Pharaoh himself.
  • Joseph oversees the collection of grain during the years of abundance, storing immense quantities.
  • He marries Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera, and has two sons:
    • Manasseh, symbolizing forgetfulness of past hardships.
    • Ephraim, symbolizing fruitfulness in a foreign land.

4. The Famine and the Arrival of Joseph’s Brothers

  • The famine extends beyond Egypt, affecting Canaan. Jacob sends ten of his sons to Egypt to buy grain but keeps Benjamin, his youngest son, at home.
  • The brothers bow before Joseph, fulfilling his earlier dreams, though they do not recognize him. Joseph, however, recognizes them.
  • Pretending to be a stranger, Joseph accuses them of being spies. To test them, he demands they bring Benjamin to prove their honesty, detaining Simeon as collateral.

5. The Brothers Return with Benjamin

  • The brothers return to Canaan with grain and find their money secretly returned in their sacks, causing them anxiety.
  • Jacob initially refuses to send Benjamin, fearing harm will come to him. However, as the famine worsens, Judahguarantees Benjamin’s safety, persuading Jacob to let him go.
  • The brothers return to Egypt with Benjamin, gifts, and the returned money. Joseph is moved when he sees Benjamin but continues to conceal his identity.

6. Joseph’s Final Test

  • Joseph hosts a feast for his brothers, seating them according to their birth order and giving Benjamin a portion five times larger than the others.
  • When they leave, Joseph has his steward hide his silver goblet in Benjamin’s sack. After they depart, the steward accuses them of theft and finds the goblet in Benjamin’s possession.
  • The brothers return to Joseph, distraught. Judah pleads on their behalf, offering himself as a slave in place of Benjamin.
  • The parashah ends with Joseph refusing to release Benjamin, setting the stage for the dramatic resolution in the next parashah.

Key Themes:

  1. Divine Providence:

    • Joseph’s rise to power and the fulfillment of Pharaoh’s dreams demonstrate God’s orchestration of events for a greater purpose.

  2. Reconciliation and Growth:

    • Joseph’s interactions with his brothers test their integrity and reveal their remorse for past actions, especially in their treatment of Benjamin.

  3. Leadership and Responsibility:

    • Joseph’s wisdom, administrative skill, and moral character are central to his success as Egypt’s savior during the famine.

  4. Brotherly Bond and Sacrifice:

    • Judah’s willingness to take responsibility for Benjamin foreshadows his role as a leader among the tribes of Israel.

Parashat Mikeitz illustrates how adversity and divine intervention can transform individuals and relationships, setting the stage for redemption and reconciliation in the family of Jacob.

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