Parashat Miketz – 5786

Parashat Miketz

The interplay of dreams underlies the events of Parashat Miketz. The significance of Joseph, the favorite son of Patriarch Jacob, takes shape in dreams: Pharaoh’s dreams in 41:1-7, Joseph’s dreams which he recalls in 42:9 (cf. Genesis 37:5-11), and even the dreams of Pharaoh’s cup-bearer and baker in 40:9-19. Pharaoh’s quest for interpretation of his dreams launches the prisoner, Joseph, on the path to the role of Vizier of Egypt. The name, “Zaphenath-panea” (revealer of secrets), given to Joseph by Pharaoh, conceals Joseph’s original identity, while the title, “Miketz,” meaning “in the end,” drives our trek through the parashah, which begins and ends in Egypt, with intervals in Canaan.

     Famine in Canaan and rumors of food available in Egypt lead Jacob to send ten of his sons for provisions (42:2). That mission does not include either Joseph who, unknown to his family, is alive and well in Egypt, or young Benjamin, who remains with his father (42:38); they are the sons of Jacob’s beloved Rachel. We empathize with Jacob’s plea: “My son (Benjamin) must not go down with you, for his brother (Joseph) is dead, and he alone is left. If he meets with disaster on the journey you are taking, you will send my white head down to Sheol in grief!” (42:38). In contrast to Jacob’s anguish, Joseph seeks to gather his family in Egypt where he can provide amply for them. The brothers’ first visit to Egypt includes a review of the family story, which impels Joseph to imprison Simeon, as guarantor of the brothers’ return, with Benjamin. In Chapter 43, in Canaan, we intuit the demotion of Reuben, likely due to his lying with Bilhah, his father’s concubine, while Jacob was away, but Jacob found out (35:22)!  Judah then takes a leading role in obtaining the father’s reluctant consent for Benjamin to go to Egypt.

In the second visit, Joseph meets with the eleven; his tentative recognition of his brother, Benjamin, goes unobserved (43:16). By releasing Simeon, Joseph brings the twelve brothers together. He then invites them all to dinner (43:29), for which he has arranged the seating in order of seniority, perhaps as a way of definitively identifying Benjamin. Speaking briefly to Benjamin, Joseph is so moved that he hastens out of the room, on the verge of tears. He has his silver goblet placed in Benjamin’s sack. Then, somewhat later, he sends his steward after the departing brothers, to retrieve the goblet, and Benjamin as well! When the eleven return to Joseph, he orders the ten (without Benjamin) to go back to their father, as if anticipating what will come. The parashah ends in tension, as did Joseph’s dreams so long ago.    

     In 2025, Miketz is the parashah for Shabbat, December 19-20, the sixth day of the feast of Hanukkah, which is a celebration of light and freedom. In that same spirit, the Haftarah, Zechariah 2:14-4:7, proclaims: “Shout for joy, fair Zion … The Lord will take Judah to himself … He will choose Jerusalem once more!” Despite the contrast between the parashah and haftarah, Zechariah’s consoling and celebratory text brings to the parashah a spirit of hope, and joy, and confidence.

For Reflection and Discussion: 

1. What stands out for you among the various facets of Joseph’s story, up to this point?

 2. What biblical values or priorities can you discern in this parashah?

Bibliography: Zornberg, A.G., The Beginning of Desire: Reflections on Genesis (Schocken Books, New York, 1995); Etz Hayim: Torah and Commentary (The Rabbinical Assembly, New York, 2001).

This week’s Parasha Commentary was prepared by
Diane Willey, Canada, Bat Kol Alumna: 2005, 2006

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