Vayechi

Vayechi Jacob Blessing Ephraim and Menashe Rembrandt 1656

The parashah describes Jacob’s desire for burial in Canaan, Jacob’s blessing of Joseph’s sons Ephraim and Menashe, Jacob’s blessing of his sons, Jacob’s death and burial, and Joseph’s death.

Vayigash

Parashat Vayigash Joseph Recognized by His Brothers (1863 painting by Léon Pierre Urbain Bourgeois)

In the parashah, Judah pleads on behalf of his brother Benjamin, Joseph reveals himself to his brothers, Jacob travels to Egypt, and Joseph’s leadership of Egypt saves lives while converting all Egyptians into bondmen.

Miketz

Joseph Interprets the Dream of Pharaoh_19th Century painting by Jean-Adrien Guignet

Joseph’s interpretation of Pharaoh’s dreams, Joseph’s rise to power in Egypt, and Joseph’s testing of his brothers are all told in Parasha Miketz.

Vayeshev

Vayeshev Joseph Interprets Dreams in Prison_Friedrich Wilhelm Schadow 1816-1817

After struggling with a “man,” Jacob reconciles with Esau in this parasha. The prince Shechem rapes Dinah, and Dinah’s brothers sack Shechem in retaliation. Rachel gives birth to Benjamin and dies in delivery during the family’s subsequent departure.

Yosef: The Ultimate Sales Pitch

Joseph Yosef photo credit SDA Journal

Reading Between the Lines in Miketz Questions for discussion: In verse 41:14 we read that Yosef “shaved and changed clothes”. Whose initiative was it? Can it be proven from the grammar? How does Pharaoh echo Yosef’s language? How are Yaakov and Pharaoh similar in their treatment of Yosef? Why did Yosef create local and not […]