Mikeitz Summaries
Mikeitz 5770-2009
"Pharaoh’s Dream: The Variations and Nuances" When it comes to the bible, the story is often in the details. The repetitious narrative of Pharaoh’s dreams is an important source of new information about Pharaoh, Egypt and Joseph’s subsequent interpretation of Pharaoh’s dream. link to full |
Mikeitz 5769-2008"Measure for Measure" One of the great contributions of the Jewish people to civilization is the idea that a third innocent party may not be punished for the actions of another person. The practice of an “eye for an eye” has always been interpreted in Judaism as monetary compensation for an eye, thoroughly rejecting Lex Talionis, physical retaliation as the ancients practiced. Notwithstanding all this, our rabbis understood the G-d’s heavenly justice does operate on the principle of “measure for measure.” The story of Joseph in particular contains many proof texts to underscore how human beings are indeed held accountable by Heaven for their actions. |
Mikeitz 5768-2007"Unexpected Parallels between Mikeitz and the Story of Chanukah" Parashat Mikeitz is always read on the Shabbat of Chanukah, not only because Joseph may be viewed as an assimilationist who regains his identity, but also because of the numerous parallels to the festival of Chanukah that may be found in the text of parashat Mikeitz. |
Mikeitz 5767-2006"A Jew Rises to Power" |
Mikeitz 5766-2005"Marketing G-d by Living Example"
Too often in the history of Judaism the lesson of the sanctification of G-d's name has been taught by those who were required to give up their lives. There is unfortunately little opportunity to learn the lesson of Kiddush Hashem (sanctification of G-d's name) by living example. Yosef Hatzadik, Joseph the Righteous, is probably the first and most prominent example of one who sanctified G-d's name, and through whose actions and words was able to influence others to acknowledge G-d in their own lives. Link to full |
Mikeitz 5765-2004"Pharaoh's Dream: Learning Through the Nuances"
The Torah is a book that uses language sparingly and economizes every word. Nevertheless, the dream of Pharaoh is repeated three times. What could possibly be the reason for these reiterations, omissions and additions? There is much to learn from these internal textual nuances. Link to full |
Mikeitz 5764-2003"Chanukah--The Struggle of Joseph and Judah"
Clothed in his coat of many colors, Joseph was betrayed by his brothers and eventually sold to Egypt. His subsequent involvement in Egyptian society is contrasted by Judah's purist, more conventional philosophy. These two viewpoints are echoed in the struggle of Chanukah, as Jews throughout the ages question how much to participate in the culture of the day. Link to full |
Mikeitz 5763-2002"In Those Days, in These Times"
The story of Joseph may be seen as the saga of an assimilator struggling with his identity, very much paralleling the struggle of the Traditionalists and the Hellenists in the 2nd Century B.C.E. It appears to be an ancient story with an ancient theme. What contemporaries often fail to acknowledge is that a subtle assimilation that is taking place today as well. This powerful force is exacting a heavy toll on our people today, even among some of the most committed Jews. To resist its influence, it is necessary for all to affirm and reaffirm their commitment to the ethics and morality reflected in our Torah. As the honored values of the Jewish past are whittled away by the pernicious values of the contemporary environment, the battle of Chanukah continues today. link to full |
Mikeitz 5762-2001"A Dysfunctional Family becomes Functional"
The saga of Joseph and his family is fundamentally the story of an immature young man who must outgrow his narcissism and self-absorption. It is the story of the assimilationist, Joseph, who shaves off his beard, changes his clothes, is given an Egyptian name and an Egyptian wife. But in the end, Joseph stands up and declares: "I am Joseph, I'm not an Egyptian, I'm not an assimilator. Is my father still alive?" He answers with a resounding, "Yes, my father is alive. I am Joseph." link to full |
Miketiz 5761-2000"What is Chanukah really about?"
Given the massive assimilation in our times, it is no longer enough to passively light our candles on our windowsills or in our doorways. We must light our candles in our homes, on our tables and in our hearts, thus reaffirming our Jewish commitment. In this manner we may increase the light of our Chanukah candles, until the entire world is illuminated by these lights spreading the values of our Torah and our traditions. link to full |
Mikeitz 5760-1999"Who was Osenath, the Wife of Joseph?"
The Midrash relates that Dina, who was raped by Sh'chem, gave birth to a child, Osenath. This child was driven from Jacob's home and is eventually adopted by Potiphar and his wife. Despite the terrible tragedy, Dina's daughter marries Joseph and becomes the progenitor of two tribes of Israel--Ephraim and Menashe. It is Osenath, the secret heroine, who raises these two children, and keeps them from assimilating in Egypt. link to full |