2024/5785
In Parashat Miketz, Hashem plays a critical and central role in the story of Yosef, orchestrating events in a way that highlights Hashem’s presence and the unfolding of a greater plan. The most striking example of this is the famine. The only reason Yosef’s brothers are able to survive this crisis is because years earlier, they sold Yosef into slavery, an act of jealousy and betrayal. What appeared at the time to be a devastating event in Yosef’s life was, in reality, part of Hashem’s master plan. Yosef’s descent into Egypt, followed by his rise to power as Paroh’s trusted advisor, positions him as the one capable of managing the famine and distributing food to those in need. Hashem used something that might initially be thought of as harmful but in the end it ended up being a blessing for Yosef and his family. Not only is the famine a sign that the whole story was part of Hashem’s plan, but Hashem also uses the famine to reunite the brothers. Hashem allows Yosef to recognize his brothers without them recognizing him so that he may test his brothers וַיַּכֵּ֥ר יוֹסֵ֖ף אֶת” “־אֶחָ֑יו וְהֵ֖ם לֹ֥א הִכִּרֻֽהוּ - Yosef recognized his brothers, but they did not recognize him (BeReishit 42:8). This is important because Hashem allows Yosef to test his brother's character and create the conditions for their eventual repentance and reconciliation and restore their brotherhood.
Additionally, in this week's Parashah, Yosef rises from the bottom, being in prison, to the top, becoming one of the most important advisors in Egypt. This story doesn’t just represent growth in Yosef’s role in Egypt, but also represents growth in aspects of humility and Hashem’s impact. At the end of last week's Parashah, when Yosef interprets the שֽר ־המשק֛ים’s dream and claims that he will be freed in just three days Yosef says, כ֧י אם ־זכרת֣ני אתך֗ כאשר֙ י֣יטב ל֔ך ועשֽית ־נ֥א עמד֖י ח֑סד והזכרת֙ני֙ אל” ־פרע֔ה והוצאת֖ני מן ־הב֥ית הזֽה:” - “If only you would remember me with yourself when it goes well for you, and please do kindness with me, and mention me to Pharaoh, and bring me out from this place.”(BeReishit 40:14) Yosef mentions only himself and completely disregards the fact that the only reason that he could interpret those dreams was because he was given that ability by Hashem. This week's Parshah begins with Paroh’s troubling dreams—seven lean cows devouring seven fat cows, and seven thin ears of grain swallowing seven full ones. None of Paroh’s advisers are able to interpret what these dreams mean promoting the שֽר ־המשק֛ים to mention Yosef who is rotting in prison and his ability to interpret dreams. Yosef interprets Paroh’s dreams as a prophecy of seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine. When Yosef interprets the dreams he says, “בִּלְעָדָ֑י אֱלֹהִ֕ים יַעֲנֶ֖ה אֶת ־שְׁל֥וֹם פַּרְעֹֽה” - “It is beyond me - G-d will provide an answer for the welfare of Paroh.” (BeReishit 41:16) Yosef who has now grown recognizes Hashem’s help and influence over his ability to interpret dreams.
It’s immensely important to recognize the importance and impact that Hashem has on all of our lives and realize that everything is from HaKadosh Baruch Hu. In life we might feel forgotten or alone just like how Yosef was in prison or in the pit, but it’s important to remember that Hashem has a plan and it is always unfolding even when it is hidden. Our task is to maintain faith even throughout the times when it feels like Hashem isn’t there, because he always is. Good Shabbos.