Shabbat Miketz

Written by Rabbi Dr Michael Shire Wednesday, 04 January 2006

Parashat Mikketz

Joseph is a spoilt child. He is pampered by his father, who showers him with exciting gifts.

He struts around the house, arrogant in his self-confidence, revealing visions of aggrandisement while antagonising his brothers. They conspire to get rid of him, and cast him into a pit.

Joseph's path thereafter takes a different turn. From being a favoured child, he becomes a lowly servant and then a wronged prisoner, unable to control his own destiny.

Through this bitter experience, he learns what it means to be treated unjustly.
At the depths of his despair, he begins to shift his focus from him- self to others. Henceforth, he will interpret the dreams of other people, rather than merely his own.

The pampered “Hebrew youth” matures into one who is “discerning and wise, in whom there is the spirit of God”.

Joseph discerns his purpose in life, nurturing new features of humility and sensitivity. He exercises power with foresight and equality. The days of his self –centred youth seem distant indeed.

He names his first-born son Manesseh (“Making to forget”), because “God has made me forget completely my hardship and my parental home.”

But his past is never forgotten. When he meets his brothers, he no longer harbours a grudge against them, for he sees that he is now in control of his own destiny.

Joseph has grown into someone he would otherwise never have been. He understands how he has matured and changed.

Even though his brothers sold him into slavery, he recognises that it is not just his experience that has brought him to his present position. He has found his own way, separated as he has been from his doting father and jealous brothers.

He wants to know whether his brothers have likewise changed – and he tempts them to abandon Benjamin.

As he travels back to Canaan the Midrash Tanhuma tells us, Joseph stops at the pit into which he was cast and recites a blessing: “Blessed be God, who did for me a miracle in this place.”

Rabbi Dr Michael Shire