Parashat Miketz 5784

by Rabbi Ellen S. Wolintz-Fields

Parashat Miketz teaches an important lesson of paying it forward and the importance of memory. Pharaoh has some disturbing dreams, and the chief cupbearer remembers Joseph, who interpreted his dreams when he was in prison. Joseph’s dream interpretations were helpful to the chief cupbearer, and he paid it forward, by recommending Joseph to Pharaoh as someone who would be very helpful to Pharaoh in being able to interpret his dreams. By the chief cupbearer remembering Joseph, and paying it forward, by helping Joseph, the cupbearer teaches us all an important lesson. If someone helps you, remember their kindness, and when the opportunity arises, help them as well. It is our responsibility, arevut, to pay it forward. If someone does something good for us, we should try to repay that person when we have the chance. It is our responsibility to always try to do something kind for those who are good to us, and it is our responsibility to remember the many blessings, and kindnesses that has been bestowed upon us so we can help others. Kol Yisrael Arevim Zeh Ba’Zeh – All the people of Israel are responsible for one another.