Miketz
Parshat Miketz-Shabbat Hanukah
The saga of Joseph in Egypt continues. We remember from last week that Joseph is known for being an excellent dream interpreter. This morning that skill becomes known to Pharaoh. Joseph interprets Pharaoh’s dream and becomes viceroy of Egypt.
First Aliyah Genesis chapter 41:1-14 pp. 250-252
Pharaoh has two disturbing dreams and calls in all the magicians and dream interpreters to tell him what they mean. They are no help; they are baffled. The butler tells Pharaoh that he remembers in jail that there was someone who interpreted dreams - Joseph. Pharaoh calls him in.
Second Aliyah 41:15-38 pp. 252-254
Joseph interprets the dreams in the name of God, and informs Pharaoh that there will be seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine. Joseph then tells Pharaoh a plan for storing enough food for the seven years of famine.
Third Aliyah 41:39-52 pp. 254-257
Pharaoh appoints Joseph to be second in command and in charge of the food. Pharaoh parades Joseph through the streets, gives him an Egyptian name, and gives him a daughter of an Egyptian priest for his wife. Joseph has two children - Ephraim and Menasheh.
Fourth Aliyah - 41:53-42:18 pp. 257-260
The events of Pharaoh’s dream come true and people of all the surrounding countries come to Egypt for food. Jacob has his sons, except Benjamin, go to Egypt also. They come before Joseph and don’t recognize him, though Joseph recognizes them. Joseph makes no attempt to tell them who he is and even gives them a hard time. He accuses them of being spies and will only believe them if they go back and get Benjamin.
Fifth Aliyah - 42:19-43:15 pp. 260-265
Joseph takes Shimon hostage until the brothers return with Benjamin. The brothers realize that this is punishment for what they did to Joseph. They return to Jacob and find that the money they paid for the corn has been returned to them in their sacks. All are upset and fear the worst. The famine worsens in Israel so the brothers must go with Benjamin to Egypt. Jacob agrees because Judah has taken responsibility for Benjamin’s welfare. As they pack to go down to Egypt they bring the money that was returned plus some gifts for Joseph.
Sixth Aliyah - 43:16-29 pp. 265-267
Joseph invites the brothers to lunch and they are afraid of what will happen. Joseph sees Benjamin and blesses him and he returns Shimon to them. Joseph gives them corn.
Seventh Aliyah - 43:30-44:17 pp. 267-270
Again he returns the money in the sacks and this time his steward places his silver goblet in Benjamin’s sack. Joseph commands the steward to catch up with the brothers and force them to return to Joseph. Joseph demands that Benjamin remain hostage while the others return to Israel.
Maftir - Numbers 7:30-35 p. 808
We read the section describing the dedication of the desert sanctuary – the mishkan. It took 12 days – one for each tribe – and we read today of the gifts brought on the 4th day.
Haftorah - Zechariah 2:14-4:7 pp. 1270-1272
This haftorah describes the menorah for the rebuilt Temple. It also includes the spiritual goal “not by might, not by power, but by my spirit says the Lord.”
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