Kohen - First Aliya - 14 p'sukim - 41:1-14
[P> 41:1 (146)] Two years have passed since the wine steward had promised to tell Par'o about Yosef. Extra years of languishing in prison, for putting too much faith in a human at the expense of complete faith in G-d (and possibly creating a Chilul HaShem in Yosef's case, because of who he was).

Let's take that point one step further. In "normal" circumstances, a person in Yosef's position should take steps to get himself out of prison by asking the wine steward (or whomever) to help. But in this case, we can see that the Sar HaMashkim spoke condescendingly about Yosef, calling him a NAAR IVRI. This probably means that he relished the idea that the "boy" relied on him to get out of jail. This, after giving G-d credit for the dream interpretation. We can imagine that in Yosef's particular situation, his asking the Sar HaMashkim for help would not be the right way to go. (See Lead Tidbit and Chizuk & Idud for other ways of looking at this issue.)

Par'o has two dreams - 7 emaciated cows consuming 7 fat cows without showing the effect of their "meal", and 7 scorched ears of grain consuming 7 fat, good ears. These dreams upset him very much. He summons his counselors who fail to ease his mood with their unsatisfactory interpretations.

The wine steward remembers Yosef and approaches Par'o with his story. "With us there was this Jewish kid..." Par'o orders Yosef's removal from prison and Yosef is prepared to meet Par'o.

SDT Rashi points out (actually, he curses) that wicked people, even when they are acknowledging good that was done on their behalf, will belittle those to whom they owe a debt of gratitude. The Wine Steward refers to Yosef as a NA'AR (connotation of a fool), IVRI (a foreigner who doesn't belong amongst us), EVED (a slave unworthy of leadership).

SDT There is a Tradition that Yosef was "remembered" on Rosh HaShana and removed from prison to the palace of the king. What happened to Yosef was part of the Divine Plan for enslavement and subsequent redemption of Bnei Yisrael. Perhaps, this gives Rosh HaShana one of its claims to be called ZEICHER LI'TZI'AT MITZRAYIM, commemorative of the Exodus, as we say in Kiddush. (Also, the Plagues began on Rosh HaShana, and actual slavery ended then).

SDT When Yosef was brought before Par'o, the Torah tells us that he shaved. Rashi says that it was a sign of respect to royalty. Some say that Yosef was a NAZIR, and he did not drink wine or cut his hair. Nonetheless, he shaved for Par'o.

Levi - Second Aliya - 24 p'sukim - 41:15-38
Par'o tells Yosef about his dreams (making some significant changes which Yosef corrects, thus signaling to Par'o the Divine origin of Yosef's dream interpretations). Yosef tells Par'o that his two dreams are in fact a single message from G-d of His intention to bring seven years of plenty which will be followed by seven years of devastating famine. The years of plenty will not even be remembered (unless measures are taken to properly prepare for them). The doubling of the dream indicates that the events are soon to occur. Yosef suggests what to do during the years of plenty to prepare for the famine. Par'o is highly impressed by the godly person, Yosef.

There is an impressive list of parallels between the story in this sedra and Megilat Esther. Specifically, in Par'o's treatment of Yosef and Achashverosh's instructions to Haman about how to parade Mordechai through the street. The textual similarities are extensive.

Shlishi - Third Aliya - 14 p'sukim - 41:39-52
Par'o, convinced that Yosef is the wisest person around, appoints him as viceroy over all of Egypt. Par'o gives Yosef his royal ring and special garments (again garments!) and parades Yosef through the streets so that the Egyptians will know of the authority the king has given Yosef. Yosef is given A-s’nat as a wife. (Some say that she was Deena's daughter.) At age 30, Yosef is master over Egypt. A-s’nat bears Yosef two sons, before the years of the famine - Menashe and Efrayim.

Note that Par'o acknowledges that G-d is the source of Yosef's wisdom. Apparently, not all Egyptian rulers had the disdain for the G-d of Israel that a successor of this Par'o had many years later. Although it is worded in the form that a "new king arose who did not know Yosef", we can see that it was also G-d that the new king chose not to know. This phenomenon seems to be repeated in Jewish History. Of relevance to the Chanuka story is the attitude towards G-d and the People of Israel of Alexander the Great compared with some of his successors.

R'vi'i - Fourth Aliya - 23 p'sukim - 41:53-42:18
The seven years of plenty end and the famine begins. All neighboring countries are devastated by the famine, but Egypt has prepared well. Yosef manages the distribution of food supplies and amasses great wealth for Par'o.

Meanwhile, Yaakov, aware that there is food in Egypt, sends "the brothers" to buy provisions. (Only Binyamin remains at home.)

SDT The Torah says that Yaakov SAW that there was plenty... Rashi asks: What is the meaning of SAW; would not HEARD be more accurate? Rashi answers that Yaakov SAW in a prophetic-like vision that there was plenty in Egypt. Rashi adds that this was not full, clear prophecy, as Yaakov still did not SEE that Yosef was on the scene. A prophet sees only what G-d wants him to see, and understands only that part of a vision that he does see.

SDT The Gemara in Taanit says that Yaakov and family were still well-supplied with food at this stage in the famine. Yet he sent them to Egypt, rather than inflame the jealousy of others. When others have not, it is improper to flaunt what you have.

Yosef sees his brothers, recognizes them, (they do not recognize him,) and remembers his dreams. He treats them harshly and accuses them of being spies. They deny the charges and tell Yosef of their family history and honorable intentions.

SDT Rashi says that the brothers (unknowingly) uttered a true, prophetic statement saying "WE are all the sons of one man". Consciously, they were talking about themselves. But the statement is very true when Yosef is included - We are ALL... (sort of the opposite of "What you mean We, Kimosabi).

Yosef proposes a test of their sincerity - they must bring their younger brother down to him. He locks them up for three days to "think things over".

The Baal HaTurim points out that the phrase VAYISHTACHAVU LO, and they (the brothers) bowed to him (Yosef) has the same numeric value (772) as B'CHAN NITKAYEIM HACHALOM, with this, the dream (Yosef's) was actualized. TT adds that VAYITNAKEIR ALEIHEM, And he (Yosef) acted like a stranger to them (the brothers), is also 772. Part of what Yosef did to complete the Divine plan expressed by his dreams, was to hold back in revealing himself for a while. SHEVA SHANIM, 7 years, a significant feature of this episode, is also 772. What does it all mean?

G’MATRIYA
[SDT] B'ZOT - with this you shall be tested. Yosef said that the children of Israel will be tested B'ZOT. B'ZOT = 2+7+1+400 = 408. The three major "tools" to achieve forgiveness from G-d are T'FILA, T'SHUVA, TZEDAKA. This is what we say in Musaf of Rosh HaShana and Yom Kippur. Some machzorim have another set of words printed above these three. They are not said, but they are there. Prayer = KOL (voice). Repentance is aided by TZOM (fasting). And TZEDAKA is performed with MAMON (money). Each of these three words is numerically equal to 136. 100+6+30 = 90+6+40 = 40+40+6+50. The identical G'matriya of these synonyms speaks of an equality of significance in the quest for Divine forgiveness. Add them up and you find 136+136+136 = 408. B'ZOT TIBACHEINU - This is how we are tested - with Prayer, Repentance, and Acts of Kindness are the Children of Israel tested.

Chamishi - Fifth Aliya - 35 p'sukim - 42:19-43:15
Yosef tells them that one of them shall remain as a hostage (Yosef selects Shimon, so as to split the dangerous team of Shimon and Levi) and the others are to return to Canaan to bring "the little one" down to Egypt. The brothers express sincere remorse for what they had done to Yosef (considering their present predicaments a punishment for that). Reuven says the equivalent of "I told you so". All are unaware that Yosef is listening and understanding their conversation. Yosef goes off on his own and weeps (for what he is putting his brothers through). Yosef commands that their bags be filled with food and that their money be returned to them as well.

When each brother opens his sack, he is frightened to find his money there. They return to Yaakov and report to him what has happened.

Yaakov laments the loss of Yosef and now Shimon and announces that he will not risk losing Binyamin as well. He refuses to permit his sons to return to Egypt, in spite of (or because of) Reuven's ridiculous suggestion that his own sons be put to death if anything happens to Binyamin.

SDT The Gemara says that the curse of a wise (righteous?) person, even when made conditional, comes true (in some way or other). Reuven offered that his sons should die if Binyamin is not returned. The offer was refused. Binyamin did return to his father. Nonetheless, Reuven said something he should not have said. His "two sons" are seen as referring to two famous descendants of Reuven who DID die - Datan and Aviram. One has to be exceedingly careful of what one says!
The famine in Canaan intensifies and Yaakov finally agrees to entrust Binyamin into the hands of Yehuda for the return trip to Egypt. Yaakov gives them twice as much money as they will need and sends gifts of the finest spices to the "Egyptian leader". Yaakov blesses his sons; they return to Egypt and present themselves to Yosef.

Shishi - Sixth Aliya -14 p'sukim - 43:16-29
Yosef sees Binyamin and tells his attendant (probably Menashe) to prepare dinner for them all. The brothers fear the summon to Yosef, convinced that it has to do with the returned money from the previous trip. They tell Yosef what had happened in order to forestall his anger. Yosef asks them about their aged father.

The brothers bow to Yosef, thus again fulfilling the essence of his dreams (and this time it includes Binyamin). Yosef sees Binyamin, asks about him and blesses him.

Sh'vi'i - Seventh Aliya - 22 p'sukim - 43:30-44:17
Yosef is having a hard time controlling his emotions. He cries in private again, washes his face and returns to the brothers. At the dinner he seats his brothers in age order (which alarms them - "How could he know?"). He gives them gifts, more to Binyamin.

(Yosef was creating the potential for jealousy so that the brothers would be put into a similar situation as previously. This sets the stage for "complete" repentance.)

He next orders that food and their money be put into their respective sacks and that his (Yosef's) special cup be placed among Binyamin's baggage.

He sends the brothers on their way to Canaan, and then sends his "man" after them to accuse them of stealing the cup. The brothers are appalled by the accusation and pledge that if the cup is found with them, the "guilty" party shall be put to death and the others would become slaves to Yosef. Yosef offers to enslave only the guilty one; the others would be free to go. The search reveals that Binyamin has the cup. Yehuda, as spokesman, offers that all should become slaves. Yosef insists that only Binyamin should remain; the others should return to their father.

Deja vu all over again! Once again, the brothers can go to Yaakov - without one of Rachel's sons and claim extenuating circumstances. This sets the stage for the possibility of real T'shuva. Will the brothers see this as an opportunity to save themselves and claim that they were powerless to do anything, or will they stand up to this enigmatic ruler of Egypt and be prepared to fight for Binyamin? And this time, it would be easier to abandon Binyamin, because they did nothing wrong.

In classic "cliffhanger" style, the parsha ends with this question. One must stay tuned to the same station, same time next week, for the answer.

Maftir from second Torah 6 p’sukim - Bamidbar 7:30-35
Aside from the first and last days of Chanuka, whose Torah readings are long, the Reading of the "sandwich six days" consists of 6 p'sukim from Bamidbar 7, describing the gifts of the Nasi of the day. During the week, the portion is read and reread to three people. On Shabbat, the portion is read for the Maftir. (On Rosh Chodesh, the portion of the Chanuka day is read by the fourth Oleh.)

This year, Shabbat Chanuka is the fourth candle, and the portion for Maftir is that of Reuven's leader, Elitzur b. Sh'dei'ur.

Haftara - 21 p'sukim -Zacharya 2:14-4:7
The special Haftara for Shabbat Chanuka preempts the regular Haftara of Parshat HaShavua (which happens to contain the story of Shlomo HaMelech and the babies). The Haftara is "borrowed" from B'ha'alo't'cha, the Menora being the obvious connection. Chanuka has parallels throughout history.

The opening words of the Haftara are G-d's promise to dwell among us. This is the purpose of having built the Mishkan and the Beit HaMikdash in the first place, and this is the purpose of rededicating it, as was done on Chanuka.

The Haftara contains the vision of olive oil miraculously flowing into the gold menora flanked by olive trees. This vision is the basis of the emblem of the State of Israel. This is particularly significant in light of the interpretation of the vision. The message to the king, to Jewish leaders in general, is that our success is not measured by might and power, but rather by the spirit of G-d. This was an important message for the Chashmona'im and it remains a vital message for the leaders of the modern State of Israel. (Ironically, the preempted haftara is considered a portend of the split of Israel into two kingdoms.)

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