Mikeitz: At the End Of.
This Torah portion marks the end of Joseph's time in prison and concludes when his brothers stand before him for help.
Pharaoh has some rather disturbing dreams. He dreams that seven fat cows are standing on banks of the Nile when they are swallowed by seven thin cows. In another dream, seven healthy ears of grain are swallowed by seven thin grains. The cupbearer, whose dream had previously been interpreted by Joseph while in prison, remembered that Joseph could read dreams. He told Pharaoh, who then summoned Joseph.
Joseph informed Pharaoh that the dreams foretold seven years of feast followed by seven years of famine. Joseph also convinced Pharaoh to hire him to administer the land of Egypt, so that people could store supplies to survive the seven years of famine. Pharaoh appoints Joseph as the prime administrator and gives him the name Zafenath-paneah, which is Egyptian for "G~d speaks and lives." Joseph is also married to Asenath, Joseph and Asenath have two sons ~ Manasseh and Ephraim.
When the famine years begin, it is as harsh in Egypt as it is in Canaan. Egypt, however, is ready for the famine, where as Canaan is not. Jacob sends his sons , with the exception of Benjamin, to Egypt to procure food. The brothers are brought to Joseph, who recognizes his brothers, although they do not recognize him. Joseph uses his knowledge to deceive his brothers. First, he accuses them of being spies and imprisons them. Joseph tells them that to prove their innocence, they must bring their youngest brother, Benjamin, to Egypt. The brothers realize that they are being punished for their previous treatment of Joseph. Finally, Joseph allows the brothers to return for Benjamin, provided that one brother remain in prison. Simeon remains in Egypt, while the other brothers return to Jacob, each carrying a sack of grain.
Jacob is reluctant to let Benjamin go to Egypt, but is finally forced to let him go due to the severity of the famine in Canaan. When the brothers return to Joseph with Benjamin, Joseph brings them into his house and prepares a huge feast. Once again, however, Joseph decides to test his brothers.
Joseph has a silver goblet hidden in Benjamin's sack of grain, before the brothers set off for Canaan. After they begin their return journey, Joseph has his soldiers run after them to accuse them of stealing the cup. The soldiers search the sacks of grain and discover the silver cup that Joseph has hidden in Benjamin's sack. Benjamin is caught and Joseph threatens to throw him in jail. Judah, however, steps up to plead on behalf of Benjamin.
In the year 2011, this Torah Portion fell on December 24.
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