Parshat Miketz: Genesis 41:1 -44:17: Shabbat Chanukah By: Rabbi Denise L. Eger

In this week’s portion, Miketz, the Joseph story continues. Joseph is called up from prison to interpret the dreams of the Pharaoh. The Pharaoh of all Egypt had two dreams that confused him. One dream had seven fat cows and then following them, seven scrawny cows. The lean cows consumed the seven fat cows. In the second dream of Pharaoh, Joseph hears of seven full and healthy ears of grain but behind them sprouted seven shriveled and thin ears of grain “scorched by the east wind” (Gen. 41:23).

Joseph who has a reputation as a dream interpreter begins almost immediately explaining this highly symbolic night prophecy. Joseph correctly interprets the Pharaoh’s dream by deconstructing the meaning behind this prophecy as the forthcoming seven year cycle of abundance and followed by seven years of famine. The second dream confirms this prophetic vision. And Joseph is very clear to Pharaoh that the second dream shows that this is a vision from God: “As for Pharaoh having had the same dream twice, it means that the matter has been determined by God and that God will soon carry it out” (Gen. 41:32).

But Joseph doesn’t stop with the dream analysis. He boldly suggests a plan of action for Pharaoh to stave off the devastation that will be caused by this cycle of abundance and famine. He suggest a person be appointed to store food in the seven years of plenty so that there will be enough food when the famine arrives, “so that the land may not perish in the famine” (Gen. 41: 36). Joseph becomes that “man of wisdom and discernment” (Gen. 41: 33) and is appointed to carry out this bold and brilliant plan. Pharaoh elevates him to second in command in all of Egypt to actualize this risk management program for Egypt.

If only we had had such a person in these last years! Our own shaky economic reality gives this section of the Joseph story deeper meaning. Joseph’s very practical plan—in essence, save for the rainy day (or in his case the days of drought) is still applicable in our time. But for too many of us we live way beyond our means, squandering the reserve we ought to have for times such as these. When job uncertainty is so high, the market so volatile, the credit crisis and manufacturing downturns affecting every business and person, the wisdom of Joseph’s plan to take the fruits of abundant times and store them for lean times makes sense even after two three millennia!

But Joseph is clear that his ability to interpret Pharaoh’s dream and his own wisdom for how to handle this situation is not just his own gift or knack. But this skill and wisdom comes from something greater than him—it comes from God. Joseph is clear in his communication to Pharaoh that God has played an important role in the revelation of Pharaoh’s dream and Pharaoh too acknowledges this “Could we find another like him, a man in whom is the spirit of God?”(Gen. 41. 38).

Pharaoh and Joseph correctly attribute the Eternal Holy One as the source of both the revelations and the solutions that have been provided to Joseph. Joseph is imbued with the Divine wisdom. And Joseph is keenly aware that it is God’s spirit that is central to his being. This rings true not only for Joseph. But read this story at the holiday of Chanukah when the Maccabees attributed their own success not to their guerilla war tactics against the Syrian-Greeks but rather to God. The special haftarah for this week’s portion says, “Not by might, not by power by My Spirit alone” (Zech. 4:6). This is true for the Maccabees success and true for Joseph as well.

And perhaps, just perhaps it is true for all of us. If in these uncertain economic trials we not only follow sound financial advice but in addition allow God’s spirit to help direct us and center us then we might have the additional strength, courage and fortitude to make it through these difficult days and months ahead. God can’t restore a job or magically add money to your bank accounts but God can give you the calm and hope that might help you think clearly in these times.

Not by might and not by power but My Spirit alone is an important affirmation that can help remind us of our humanity, humility and God’s care and concern for all of us.

Happy Chanukah.

Posted by Jimmy at December 24, 2008 09:40 AM