The character development of Yosef is very pronounced over the course of the latter Parashiot of Beraishit. Once we are told that he is born to Rachel (Beraishit 30:24), his detailed story begins with a description of a self-absorbed adolescent who is particularly indulged by his father and hated by his siblings (Ibid. 37:1-11). This in turn leads to his being carried off to Egypt and sold as a slave where as a result of a domestic intrigue, he finds himself imprisoned (Ibid. 37:12-36; 39). After several years in this depressing setting, where it is possible that he will spend the rest of his life, two cellmates from the royal retinue suddenly join him (Ibid. 40:1-4). Yosef’s fortunes can be said to turn on one particular interaction that he has with these men, following each one experiencing a disturbing dream (Ibid. 5). Just as dreams played a major (but not necessarily the definitive—see “Hurt Feelings Arising from Parental Rejection”) role in establishing enmity between Yosef and his brothers, dreams now become the means by which Yosef is first noticed by the royal butler (Ibid. 9-13), who in turn brings him to the attention of Pharoah, who also was in need of dream interpretation (Ibid. 41:9-14). Because Yosef’s explanation of Pharoah’s dreams rings so true to the Egyptian monarch, Yosef is appointed to oversee Egypt’s program to prepare for the upcoming devastating famine and then orchestrate how food will be properly distributed to the masses, including his personal family (Ibid. 17-57).
Yosef’s Turning Point
29 Sunday Nov 2015
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