Parashat Miketz – Erev Shabbat 3 December 2021 – (5782)
Week of 29 November- 4 December 2021
Torah portion: Gen. 41:1- 44:17Â Haftarah: Zech. 2:14-4:7
Theme: Dreams, glimmers of grace.
Our parashah for this is week is entitled Miketz, meaning “at the end” covers Gen. 41:1-44:17. When was the beginning because now we are at the end? What is the introduction, as now we are at the conclusion? The beginning verse of our parashah, Gen. 41:1, states: “After two whole years Pharaoh dreamed that he was standing by the Nile”.
The two years seem to refer to the cupbearer of Pharaoh. “Literally, at the end of two years of days: two complete years have elapsed since the release of the cupbearer” (D. L. Lieber, p. 250). Both the cupbearer and Joseph were in prison. We hear of the story in Gen. 40:9-23. The chief cupbearer had a dream, Joseph interpreted his dream and in three days, Pharaoh pardoned him and freed him. Joseph, asks for a favor, “But think of me when all is well with you again, and do me the kindness of mentioning me to Pharaoh, to free me from this place” (Gen. 41:14).
 In 1994, I was spending some time doing something on Missiology and one component of the Course was working on dreams. I have vivid memories of dreams. Dreams are not a remote or foreign phenomenon as we all dream. We know that dreams are boundless: containing images, sensations, visions, and exploration of the past and the future. Perhaps, dreams can be a source of blessing.
The two dreams of Pharaoh, “the ugly gaunt cows ate up the seven handsome, fat cows, and the thin ears swallowed up the seven solid and full ears” (Gen. 41:4-7). I think the second part of verse 7 is a very thought-provoking piece. Then Pharaoh awoke: it was a dream, only a dream. “This was much to Pharaoh’s surprise, for it seemed so vivid” (D. L. Lieber, p. 251). Perhaps it was a sleepless night for Pharaoh, anticipating and anxiously awaiting the dawn of a new day. What could be the meaning of my dream?
Who would interpret the dream of Pharaoh? All the magicians and wise men of Egypt were at a loss for a genuine interpretation. The moment of truth dawned on the cupbearer, remembering Joseph. The cupbearer spoke to Pharaoh about Joseph, a Hebrew youth, a servant in prison. Joseph said to Pharaoh, your dream is a revelation from God. The response of Pharaoh to Joseph: “Could we find another like him, a man in whom is the spirit of God?” (Gen. 41:39). Pharaoh’s dream was indeed a blessing. Reflecting on my dreams while writing this parashah, I realized they were indeed a blessing on my journey, and in my vocation: Hallelujah!
For Reflection and Discussion: 1. As I look at the gratitude of the cupbearer to Joseph after two years, I examine how the virtue of gratitude has been present in my journey. 2. What are my dreams past and for the future? 3. What are the glimmers of Grace in my dreams? 4. The dream of Pharaoh was a blessing for the nation. Do my dreams guide me to my destination?
Bibliography: Lieber D.L Etz Hayim (New York: 1985)
This week’s Parasha Commentary was prepared by
Aliki A Langi, Tonga, Bat Kol Alumnus: 2005, 2018
Comments are closed