Parashat Miketz

Joseph is the favored son of Jacob, known for his early dreams of leadership, which led to his brothers selling him into slavery in Egypt. After rising in the house of Potiphar, he is imprisoned following a false accusation, where he again demonstrates his ability to interpret dreams. He has now been in prison for some time, and although he previously interpreted dreams for Pharaoh’s cupbearer and baker, he was forgotten. When Pharaoh has two disturbing dreams that none of Egypt’s magicians or wise men can interpret, the cupbearer remembers Joseph and tells Pharaoh about him. Joseph is quickly brought from prison, shaved, and changed before standing before Pharaoh. Pharaoh explains that he has heard Joseph can interpret dreams, and Joseph responds that the interpretation is not his own, but comes from God, setting the stage for the telling and interpretation of Pharaoh’s dreams.

Bereishit/Genesis 41:14-16

בראשית מ״א:י״ד

וַיִּשְׁלַ֤ח פַּרְעֹה֙ וַיִּקְרָ֣א אֶת־יוֹסֵ֔ף וַיְרִיצֻ֖הוּ מִן־הַבּ֑וֹר וַיְגַלַּח֙ וַיְחַלֵּ֣ף שִׂמְלֹתָ֔יו וַיָּבֹ֖א אֶל־פַּרְעֹֽה׃

Genesis 41:14

Thereupon Pharaoh sent for Joseph, and he was rushed from the dungeon. He had his hair cut and changed his clothes, and he appeared before Pharaoh.

בראשית מ״א:ט״ו

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר פַּרְעֹה֙ אֶל־יוֹסֵ֔ף חֲל֣וֹם חָלַ֔מְתִּי וּפֹתֵ֖ר אֵ֣ין אֹת֑וֹ וַאֲנִ֗י שָׁמַ֤עְתִּי עָלֶ֙יךָ֙ לֵאמֹ֔ר תִּשְׁמַ֥ע חֲל֖וֹם לִפְתֹּ֥ר אֹתֽוֹ׃

Genesis 41:15

And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I have had a dream, but no one can interpret it. Now I have heard it said of you that for you to hear a dream is to tell its meaning.”

בראשית מ״א:ט״ז

וַיַּ֨עַן יוֹסֵ֧ף אֶת־פַּרְעֹ֛ה לֵאמֹ֖ר בִּלְעָדָ֑י אֱלֹהִ֕ים יַעֲנֶ֖ה אֶת־שְׁל֥וֹם פַּרְעֹֽה׃

Genesis 41:16

Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, “Not I! God will see to Pharaoh’s welfare.”

Ideas for Torah study:

1. This Torah portion focuses on dream interpretation as a pathway towards "Shalom" (peace/wholeness). Is there anything in your life that is troubling you, something which causes you confusion or anxiety, that you'd like to have interpreted towards Shalom? What are those troubles and who are the Joseph's (perhaps wallowing in a pit somewhere) that you can call on for support and guidance? What new interpretations can you feel rising subtly even now?

2. What is coming up for you as we engage in this Torah study? Name the parts of you that are feeling resistant, challenged, bored, or wanting to go elsewhere. Bring them in and share their voices. Name the parts of you that are feeling inspired, grateful, curious, and leaned in. Bring them in too. See what happens after you've made your experience more complete and complex.

3. Anything else! Take the practice of Torah study as a non-linear, non-goal oriented exercise in spontaneous presence and allow yourself to be moved when it's your turn.