Parshat Mikketz; Genesis 41:1 -44:17 By Rabbi Denise L. Eger
Our torah portion this week delves into the core of the Joseph story. We see him rise from prison interpreting the Pharaoh’s dreams to become Viceroy of all Egypt. He executes a plan to save Egypt from the impending famine thus solidifying his own power and his authority.
Upon elevating Joseph, Pharaoh gives Joseph a ring from his own hand and place a gold chain around his neck. He dresses him royal clothes and bestows a special name upon him. Pharaoh gives him the name Zaphenath-paneah. In Egyptian according to the commentary in Eytz Hayim, these words mean God speaks and he lives. Traditional commentators such as Rashi and Rashbam explain the name as meaning he who explains what is hidden. In Bereshit Rabba 90.4 the rabbis further deepen the meanings of this name by attributing an interpretation to each letter! The tzadi stands for tzofeh, seer; the pe for podeh, redeemer; nun for navi, prophet; tav for tomek, supporter; pe for poter, interpreter of dreams; ‘Ayn for ‘Arum, clever: nun for navon, discreet and chet for Chakahm, wise.
Like many of us Joseph had two names—his Hebrew name and his secular name.
This new name is connected to Joseph’s powers of dream interpretation. For Joseph describes his ability to interpret Pharaoh’s dream as coming from God! As well as the dream itself a message from the Divine to Pharaoh. Joseph could have easily boasted of his own power and ability. But Joseph throughout the parasha conveys the idea that God is working through him. Indeed Pharaoh recognizes this and says, “ Could we find another like him – a man in who is the spirit of God?” (Gen 41:38).
And through the rest of the Parasha Joseph continues to let God work through him. Even when he is tempted to test and toy with his brothers and trick them in the end he lets God’s spirit work through him to bring about a healing and reconciliation with his estranged family.
Joseph’s story reminds us that God can work through us if we are open to it. Reading story during the week of Chanukah we must also remember that Maccabees too called upon God’s spirit to bring them success in their battle against oppression. God sent strength and commitment to the Maccabees and their faith helped to reclaim and recapture the holiest ground and sacred space of the Temple. As the haftarah teaches us, “Not by might, not by power but by My spirit alone.
Taken together these sections of our Scripture along with the lessons of the Chanukah story remind us that we can let the spirit of God work through us in every situation. When we recite a blessing, when we perform a mitzvah we are letting God’s spirit work through us. When we are challenged by anger or frustration, we should
take the time to stop and let God’s spirit work through you. And certainly as the Chanukah season is upon us, when the light of the menorah reaches out to each person and brings a warm beam of love and peace to behold, we ought to take that inside and feel the spirit of God warming us and lifting us up in peace.
Happy Chanukah!
Posted by Lee at December 18, 2006 09:08 AM
