Published December 20, 2009
Parshat Miketz describes how a stranger in a foreign land - and a “criminal” Hebrew slave at that - becomes a viceroy of the leading nation state of the ancient world. It reads like a classic disaster with a happy ending. In truth, the record of Yosef’s interpretation of Par’o's dream is a lesson for mankind in general, and the Jewish nation in particular.
In her usually incisive way, Nechama Leibowitz spells out the strategic sequence of Yosef’s speech to Par’o, after he has been dragged from the dungeon and stands before the king. Of special note is the credit that the poor lad daringly and consistently accrues to G-d, rather than standing on his own prowess at solving the king’s predicament.
For Yosef proclaims that the solution is, “beyond me [and that] it is G-d who will respond with Par’o's welfare” and, “that what G-d is about to do, he has shown to Par’o.” Moreover, Yosef points out that the repetition of Par’o's dream indicates that, “the matter stands ready before G-d and G-d is hastening to accomplish it.”
Astonishingly Par’o, the arch idol worshiper, responds: “Since G-d has informed you of all this, you shall be in charge of my palace.” Clearly, then, those ready to stand up and say, “In G-d we trust!” are those who have the upper hand - as then, so today.
Shabbat Shalom, Menachem Persoff
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