Miketz - Day #2

Miketz מִקֵּץ - At the End Of  

Torah Portion: Genesis 41:1-44:17

Genesis 41:15–38

41:15 Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I have dreamed a dream, and there is no one who can interpret it. I have heard it said of you, that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.”

16 Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, “It isn’t in me. Elohim will give Pharaoh an answer of peace.”

17 Pharaoh spoke to Joseph, “In my dream, behold, I stood on the brink of the river; 18 and behold, seven fat and sleek cattle came up out of the river. They fed in the marsh grass; 19 and behold, seven other cattle came up after them, poor and very ugly and thin, such as I never saw in all the land of Egypt for ugliness. 20 The thin and ugly cattle ate up the first seven fat cattle; 21 and when they had eaten them up, it couldn’t be known that they had eaten them, but they were still ugly, as at the beginning. So I awoke. 22 I saw in my dream, and behold, seven heads of grain came up on one stalk, full and good; 23 and behold, seven heads of grain, withered, thin, and blasted with the east wind, sprung up after them. 24 The thin heads of grain swallowed up the seven good heads of grain. I told it to the magicians, but there was no one who could explain it to me.”

25 Joseph said to Pharaoh, “The dream of Pharaoh is one. What Elohim is about to do, he has declared to Pharaoh. 26 The seven good cattle are seven years; and the seven good heads of grain are seven years. The dream is one. 27 The seven thin and ugly cattle that came up after them are seven years, and also the seven empty heads of grain blasted with the east wind; they will be seven years of famine. 28 That is the thing which I have spoken to Pharaoh. Elohim has shown Pharaoh what he is about to do. 29 Behold, seven years of great plenty throughout all the land of Egypt are coming. 30 Seven years of famine will arise after them, and all the plenty will be forgotten in the land of Egypt. The famine will consume the land, 31 and the plenty will not be known in the land by reason of that famine which follows; for it will be very grievous. 32 The dream was doubled to Pharaoh, because the thing is established by Elohim, and Elohim will shortly bring it to pass.

33 “Now therefore let Pharaoh look for a discreet and wise man, and set him over the land of Egypt. 34 Let Pharaoh do this, and let him appoint overseers over the land, and take up the fifth part of the land of Egypt’s produce in the seven plenteous years. 35 Let them gather all the food of these good years that come, and store grain under the hand of Pharaoh for food in the cities, and let them keep it. 36 The food will be to supply the land against the seven years of famine, which will be in the land of Egypt; so that the land will not perish through the famine.”

37 The thing was good in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of all his servants. 38 Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can we find such a one as this, a man in whom is the Spirit of G-d?”

Today’s Meditation:

We all have a calling. We have a purpose to fulfill in our lives, as directed by Hashem. He can’t force us to receive our callings, but He sure will equip us to carry them out. Joseph had a calling. He was tasked with saving that part of the world from starvation. He was to assist Pharaoh in devising a plan and executing it with great care. And we know that this did happen. What if Joseph had been unwilling or scared to reveal all this to Pharaoh? After all, he could have made the recommendation and interpretation, and the Pharaoh could have rejected it all. Failure can sometimes stop us from doing something Hashem has called us to do. Don’t walk in fear, trust in Hashem.

Today’s Challenge: 

Take a moment to reflect on what Hashem has called you to do. Are you living out your calling, or are you afraid to step into it? I challenge you today to take a step forward and try out what you have been called to do. Pray first and ask Hashem for the steps to take. If you are already walking in your calling, then I challenge you to encourage someone else to walk in theirs. Perhaps they have been afraid; you can pray for them and give them the confidence to pursue it. You will be blessed for sure.

Miketz - Day #1

Miketz מִקֵּץ - At the End Of  

Torah Portion: Genesis 41:1-44:17

Genesis 41:1–14

41 At the end of two full years, Pharaoh dreamed, and behold, he stood by the river. 2 Behold, seven cattle came up out of the river. They were sleek and fat, and they fed in the marsh grass. 3 Behold, seven other cattle came up after them out of the river, ugly and thin, and stood by the other cattle on the brink of the river. 4 The ugly and thin cattle ate up the seven sleek and fat cattle. So Pharaoh awoke. 5 He slept and dreamed a second time; and behold, seven heads of grain came up on one stalk, healthy and good. 6 Behold, seven heads of grain, thin and blasted with the east wind, sprung up after them. 7 The thin heads of grain swallowed up the seven healthy and full ears. Pharaoh awoke, and behold, it was a dream. 8 In the morning, his spirit was troubled, and he sent and called for all of Egypt’s magicians and wise men. Pharaoh told them his dreams, but there was no one who could interpret them to Pharaoh.

9 Then the chief cupbearer spoke to Pharaoh, saying, “I remember my faults today. 10 Pharaoh was angry with his servants, and put me in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, with the chief baker. 11 We dreamed a dream in one night, he and I. Each man dreamed according to the interpretation of his dream. 12 There was with us there a young man, a Hebrew, servant to the captain of the guard, and we told him, and he interpreted to us our dreams. He interpreted to each man according to his dream. 13 As he interpreted to us, so it was. He restored me to my office, and he hanged him.”

14 Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon. He shaved himself, changed his clothing, and came in to Pharaoh.

Today’s Meditation:

Does Hashem speak to us through dreams? I think he does. In today’s Torah Portion, we learn that He was saying something significant to Pharaoh. Although he didn’t understand it, he sought help to get some interpretation. Little did he know that Hashem was going to use this dream to save thousands of lives (from starvation) literally. Joseph was there and gave him the prophecy. Sometimes, it is all about paying attention. Paying attention to dreams and also what Hashem is doing in our lives. And it’s also about seeking help when we need it. Who knows, it could save a life.

Today's Challenge: 

Think about something in your life that you could use some help with. Then, reach out to an appropriate person and ask for their help. And in the reverse, if someone else needs help, be there for them. Sometimes we are just afraid to ask, and we are also too timid to help others. However, as we learn in today’s reading, asking for help from someone can be profound, even if it is only to interpret a dream.

Vayeshev - Day #7

Vayeshev וַיֵּשֶׁב - And He Settled  

Torah Portion: Genesis 37:1 - 40:23

Haftarah: Amos 2:6-3:8

Shabbat: Genesis Chapter 40:1-23

40 After these things, the butler of the king of Egypt and his baker offended their lord, the king of Egypt. 2 Pharaoh was angry with his two officers, the chief cupbearer and the chief baker. 3 He put them in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, into the prison, the place where Joseph was bound. 4 The captain of the guard assigned them to Joseph, and he took care of them. They stayed in prison many days. 5 They both dreamed a dream, each man his dream, in one night, each man according to the interpretation of his dream, the cupbearer and the baker of the king of Egypt, who were bound in the prison. 6 Joseph came in to them in the morning, and saw them, and saw that they were sad. 7 He asked Pharaoh’s officers who were with him in custody in his master’s house, saying, “Why do you look so sad today?”

8 They said to him, “We have dreamed a dream, and there is no one who can interpret it.”

Joseph said to them, “Don’t interpretations belong to Elohim? Please tell it to me.”

9 The chief cupbearer told his dream to Joseph, and said to him, “In my dream, behold, a vine was in front of me, 10 and in the vine were three branches. It was as though it budded, it blossomed, and its clusters produced ripe grapes. 11 Pharaoh’s cup was in my hand; and I took the grapes, and pressed them into Pharaoh’s cup, and I gave the cup into Pharaoh’s hand.”

12 Joseph said to him, “This is its interpretation: the three branches are three days. 13 Within three more days, Pharaoh will lift up your head, and restore you to your office. You will give Pharaoh’s cup into his hand, the way you did when you were his cupbearer. 14 But remember me when it is well with you. Please show kindness to me, and make mention of me to Pharaoh, and bring me out of this house. 15 For indeed, I was stolen away out of the land of the Hebrews, and here also I have done nothing that they should put me into the dungeon.”

16 When the chief baker saw that the interpretation was good, he said to Joseph, “I also was in my dream, and behold, three baskets of white bread were on my head. 17 In the uppermost basket there were all kinds of baked food for Pharaoh, and the birds ate them out of the basket on my head.”

18 Joseph answered, “This is its interpretation. The three baskets are three days. 19 Within three more days, Pharaoh will lift up your head from off you, and will hang you on a tree; and the birds will eat your flesh from off you.” 20 On the third day, which was Pharaoh’s birthday, he made a feast for all his servants, and he lifted up the head of the chief cupbearer and the head of the chief baker among his servants. 21 He restored the chief cupbearer to his position again, and he gave the cup into Pharaoh’s hand; 22 but he hanged the chief baker, as Joseph had interpreted to them. 23 Yet the chief cupbearer didn’t remember Joseph, but forgot him.

Today’s Mediation: 

Today’s reading is all about dreams. Dreams that are so important that they predict life and death for two people. We all dream; some of us remember them, while others do not. The most important thing is that if you have an unusual dream, you should pray about it. Ask Hashem to interpret it for you. If it is about someone you know, it may be that He wants you to pray about it. It could be a warning or a prophetic message. What I am trying to say is, pay attention. Your dreams could be important and have a significant impact on your future and those around you.

Today’s Challenge: 

For Joseph to interpret the two dreams, he had to stand up and say he could do it (with Hashem’s help). He began simply by asking them why they were so sad. How many times have you seen someone or know someone who looks sad and didn’t ask why they were so glum? Maybe it’s someone you know who is going to complain. So, it’s easier to disregard them. I have done that. 

I recall that my next-door neighbor always wanted to talk to me. It was always when I was getting in or out of my car, and I was in a hurry. Sometimes I would listen, but often I would say a quick “hi” and go. One time, she was out in her driveway, and I felt like Hashem was telling me to go over and listen to her. So, I did. I listened to her and showed her I cared. I am happy I did. Because right after that, she dropped dead from a brain aneurysm. It was my last time to be nice to her. 

Today, if someone crosses your path who looks sad, ask them why? And listen. Take time to minister Hashem’s love to those around you. It’s very, very important.

This Week’s Haftarah: Amos 2:6-3:8

2:6 Hashem says:

“For three transgressions of Israel, yes, for four, I will not turn away its punishment; because they have sold the righteous for silver, and the needy for a pair of sandals; 7 They trample on the dust of the earth on the head of the poor, and deny justice to the oppressed; and a man and his father use the same maiden, to profane my holy name; 8 and they lay themselves down beside every altar on clothes taken in pledge; and in the house of their Elohim they drink the wine of those who have been fined.

9 Yet I destroyed the Amorite before them, whose height was like the height of the cedars, and he was strong as the oaks; yet I destroyed his fruit from above, and his roots from beneath. 10 Also, I brought you up out of the land of Egypt, and led you forty years in the wilderness, to possess the land of the Amorite. 11 I raised up some of your sons for prophets, and some of your young men for Nazirites. Isn’t this true, you children of Israel?” says Hashem.

12 “But you gave the Nazirites wine to drink, and commanded the prophets, saying, ‘Don’t prophesy!’ 13 Behold, I will crush you in your place, as a cart crushes that is full of grain. 14 Flight will perish from the swift; and the strong won’t strengthen his force; neither shall the mighty deliver himself; 15 neither shall he stand who handles the bow; and he who is swift of foot won’t escape; neither shall he who rides the horse deliver himself; 16 and he who is courageous among the mighty will flee away naked on that day,” says Hashem.

3 Hear this word that Hashem has spoken against you, children of Israel, against the whole family which I brought up out of the land of Egypt, saying: 2 “I have only chosen you of all the families of the earth. Therefore, I will punish you for all of your sins.” 3 Do two walk together, unless they have agreed? 4 Will a lion roar in the thicket, when he has no prey?

Does a young lion cry out of his den, if he has caught nothing? 5 Can a bird fall in a trap on the earth, where no snare is set for him? Does a snare spring up from the ground when there is nothing to catch? 6 Does the trumpet alarm sound in a city, without the people being afraid? Does evil happen to a city, and Hashem hasn’t done it?

7 Surely Hashem Adonai will do nothing, unless he reveals his secret to his servants the prophets, 8 The lion has roared. Who will not fear? Hashem Adonai has spoken. Who can but prophesy?

Today’s Haftarah Meditation: 

Today’s reading is about Hashem’s prophets. Some of you may believe that prophecy has ended long ago, that the only prophets are those written about in Scripture. Others may think that Hashem speaks to man today. There are many “prophets” who speak through the internet, conferences, and books. How do we know that they have really heard from Hashem? Maybe look at their "fruit". Research whether their previous prophecies have come true or are coming true. Pray and ask Hashem if they are for real. I do think it is something we should pay attention to.

Today’s Haftarah Challenge: 

Do you ever feel like Hashem has spoken something special to you? That He has a “word” for someone you know, or that He is asking you to do something special? My challenge to you today is to take a risk. Go forward and do what you think He says, see what happens. Or if it is something you are supposed to tell someone, do it. Just pray and see what happens. It could be imperative and relevant. It could be a super blessing. I can tell you this: if you don’t go forward and it is from Hashem, you will regret it for the rest of your life.

Vayeshev - Day #6

Vayeshev וַיֵּשֶׁב - And He Settled  

Torah Portion: Genesis 37:1 - 40:23

Genesis 39:7–23

39:7 After these things, his master’s wife set her eyes on Joseph; and she said, “Lie with me.”

8 But he refused, and said to his master’s wife, “Behold, my master doesn’t know what is with me in the house, and he has put all that he has into my hand. 9 No one is greater in this house than I am, and he has not kept back anything from me but you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against Elohim?”

10 As she spoke to Joseph day by day, he didn’t listen to her, to lie by her, or to be with her. 11 About this time, he went into the house to do his work, and there were none of the men of the house inside. 12 She caught him by his garment, saying, “Lie with me!”

He left his garment in her hand and ran outside. 13 When she saw that he had left his garment in her hand, and had run outside, 14 she called to the men of her house, and spoke to them, saying, “Behold, he has brought a Hebrew in to us to mock us. He came in to me to lie with me, and I cried with a loud voice. 15 When he heard that I lifted up my voice and cried, he left his garment by me, and ran outside.” 16 She laid up his garment by her, until his master came home. 17 She spoke to him according to these words, saying, “The Hebrew servant, whom you have brought to us, came in to me to mock me, 18 and as I lifted up my voice and cried, he left his garment by me, and ran outside.”

19 When his master heard the words of his wife, which she spoke to him, saying, “This is what your servant did to me,” his wrath was kindled. 20 Joseph’s master took him and put him into the prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were bound, and he was there in custody. 21 But Hashem was with Joseph, and showed kindness to him, and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. 22 The keeper of the prison committed to Joseph’s hand all the prisoners who were in the prison. Whatever they did there, he was responsible for it. 23 The keeper of the prison didn’t look after anything that was under his hand, because Hashem was with him; and that which he did, Hashem made it prosper.

Today’s Meditation: 

There it is again in verse 23 “...because Hashem was with him; and that which he did, Hashem made it prosper.” We read about how Hashem is with Joseph and how He prospers him, even when he is sent to prison. It really doesn’t matter where you are; Hashem will meet you there and be faithful. Sometimes in the hardest of times, it is only because of Hashem that we can endure. But it requires us to be obedient and faithful, to be close to Him. He is always there for us; we need to seek Him.

Today's Challenge: 

If you are not happy at work, in your relationship, or struggling with poor health, I challenge you today to make the very best of your situation. That is what Joseph did. His brothers cast him off and sold him into slavery. He was then taken to be a servant, betrayed by a woman, and thrown into prison. Yet, he rises above it all and does his best to reflect the love and grace of the almighty Hashem. Others see the light of Hashem in him and respect him. This ultimately leads to promotion, prosperity, and numerous blessings. Try to reflect Hashem’s love today to others around you, even if you are in the hardest of times. The joy of Hashem is your strength.

Vayeshev - Day #5

Vayeshev וַיֵּשֶׁב - And He Settled  

Torah Portion: Genesis 37:1 - 40:23

Genesis 39:1–6

39 Joseph was brought down to Egypt. Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh’s, the captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him from the hand of the Ishmaelites that had brought him down there. 2 Hashem was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man. He was in the house of his master, the Egyptian. 3 His master saw that Hashem was with him, and that Hashem made all that he did prosper in his hand. 4 Joseph found favor in his sight. He ministered to him, and Potiphar made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand. 5 From the time that he made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, Hashem blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake. Hashem’s blessing was on all that he had, in the house and in the field. 6 He left all that he had in Joseph’s hand. He didn’t concern himself with anything except for the food, which he ate. Joseph was well-built and handsome.

Today’s Meditation: 

This is quite amazing. In verse 2, we are told, “Hashem was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man.” Have you ever known anyone who knew Hashem and also excelled in all they did? They seem to be really prosperous and a really good person. Or maybe that happens to you, too? Sometimes in my life, I feel so blessed that I almost feel spoiled. Just as Hashem gives me everything, I suppose you could say that I am being prosperous because Hashem is with me. I hope so.

Today’s Challenge: 

Try to get closer to Hashem today. Read Scripture, pray, and sit in silence to talk to Him. Then see how the rest of your day goes. See if He blesses you more on this day than on other days. In other words, see if Hashem will be with you and then watch Him bless (prosper) you. If you know that He does, then you should continue this routine daily.

Vayeshev - Day #4

Vayeshev וַיֵּשֶׁב - And He Settled  

Torah Portion: Genesis 37:1 - 40:23

Genesis 38:1-30

38 At that time, Judah went down from his brothers and visited a certain Adullamite, whose name was Hirah. 2 There, Judah saw the daughter of a certain Canaanite man named Shua. He took her and went in to her. 3 She conceived, and bore a son; and he named him Er. 4 She conceived again, and bore a son; and she named him Onan. 5 She yet again bore a son, and named him Shelah. He was at Chezib when she bore him. 6 Judah took a wife for Er, his firstborn, and her name was Tamar. 7 Er, Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in Hashem’s sight. So Hashem killed him. 8 Judah said to Onan, “Go in to your brother’s wife, and perform the duty of a husband’s brother to her, and raise up offspring for your brother.” 9 Onan knew that the offspring wouldn’t be his, and when he went in to his brother’s wife, he spilled his semen on the ground, lest he should give offspring to his brother. 10 The thing which he did was evil in Hashem’s sight, and he killed him also. 11 Then Judah said to Tamar, his daughter-in-law, “Remain a widow in your father’s house, until Shelah, my son, is grown up;” for he said, “Lest he also die, like his brothers.” Tamar went and lived in her father’s house.

12 After many days, Shua’s daughter, the wife of Judah, died. Judah was comforted and went up to his sheep shearers to Timnah, he and his friend Hirah, the Adullamite. 13 Tamar was told, “Behold, your father-in-law is going up to Timnah to shear his sheep.” 14 She took off the garments of her widowhood, and covered herself with her veil, and wrapped herself, and sat in the gate of Enaim, which is on the way to Timnah; for she saw that Shelah was grown up, and she wasn’t given to him as a wife. 15 When Judah saw her, he thought that she was a prostitute, for she had covered her face. 16 He turned to her by the way, and said, “Please come, let me come in to you,” for he didn’t know that she was his daughter-in-law.

She said, “What will you give me, that you may come in to me?”

17 He said, “I will send you a young goat from the flock.”

She said, “Will you give me a pledge until you send it?”

18 He said, “What pledge will I give you?”

She said, “Your signet and your cord, and your staff that is in your hand.”

He gave them to her, and came in to her, and she conceived by him. 19 She arose, and went away, and put off her veil from her, and put on the garments of her widowhood. 20 Judah sent the young goat by the hand of his friend, the Adullamite, to receive the pledge from the woman’s hand, but he didn’t find her. 21 Then he asked the men of her place, saying, “Where is the prostitute that was at Enaim by the road?”

They said, “There has been no prostitute here.”

22 He returned to Judah, and said, “I haven’t found her; and also the men of the place said, ‘There has been no prostitute here.’” 23 Judah said, “Let her keep it, lest we be shamed. Behold, I sent this young goat, and you haven’t found her.”

24 About three months later, Judah was told, “Tamar, your daughter-in-law, has played the prostitute. Moreover, behold, she is with child by prostitution.”

Judah said, “Bring her out, and let her be burned.” 25 When she was brought out, she sent to her father-in-law, saying, “I am with child by the man who owns these.” She also said, “Please discern whose these are—the signet, and the cords, and the staff.”

26 Judah acknowledged them and said, “She is more righteous than I, because I didn’t give her to Shelah, my son.” He knew her again no more. 27 In the time of her travail, behold, twins were in her womb. 28 When she travailed, one put out a hand, and the midwife took and tied a scarlet thread on his hand, saying, “This came out first.” 29 As he drew back his hand, behold, his brother came out, and she said, “Why have you made a breach for yourself?” Therefore, his name was called Perez. 30 Afterward, his brother came out, who had the scarlet thread on his hand, and his name was called Zerah.

Today’s Meditation: 

We learn about Tamar in today's reading. We read of her schemes to conceive a child by Judah. We weren’t there to know what compelled her to act in this way of deception, but for some reason, she does. And out of her line of ancestry come kings and a Mashiach. It makes me think of what I heard in Israel on a trip that Hashem doesn’t waste anything. He wanted the bloodline of David to come through Jacob, and this is the path He chose. We don’t know why. But, we do know He often makes something perfect out of something not-so-good. 

Today’s Challenge: 

Have you ever tricked or manipulated a situation to get what you want? I have. Especially when I was younger, before I had a deep relationship with Hashem, I would use my friend to get things I wanted at her expense. I would talk her into stealing her mother’s credit card to buy cigarettes and alcohol for us to party with. It was wrong, and I am regretful to this day. Did anything good come out of my ill behavior? The only good thing I can attest to is that Hashem has used my past experiences to minister to others in trouble. I understand what they are going through, because I have been through the same experience. If you were involved in something you regretted with another person, think about how G-d used it all for good. It will help you to realize that G-d does not waste anything—even our bad experiences.