Parashat Miketz 5783 – Rosh Chodesh Tevet

by Rabbi Ellen S. Wolintz-Fields

Joseph is the classic rags to riches story – although he did not start with rags. Joseph was the favorite son of his father Jacob; he was wrapped in the coat of many colors, and had magnificent dreams, which could be seen as a very positive, fruitful future. Yes, Joseph was hated by his brothers, whose jealousy perhaps caused them to throw him into a pit and be sold into slavery. As a servant, he was seen as very appealing to the wife of Potiphar. Maybe he had a better life as a servant, in the home of someone who admired him. But he had values, and did not appreciate Poritphar’s wife’s advances, and Joseph wound up in jail. Joseph could not be kept down. He used his dream interpretation to get him out of jail, and straight into official business, advising Pharoah and becoming a top official in Egypt. Joseph should be an inspiration to all of us. His life is exemplary of what many of us go through – highs and lows in life. Life is a roller coaster. We may have a great job, a wonderful life, and the best of health, and all of that can go away with the blink of an eye. Remember the challenges Joseph had in his life, and let us all stay strong. Chazak v’Ematz – Be Strong and Courageous!