Parasha Mikets (מקץ) — Bereshit 41:1 – 44:17. Read on Shabbat, December 12, 2026.
Summary of Parasha Mikets
Two years later, Pharaoh dreams of seven fat cows devoured by seven lean cows, then of seven full ears of grain swallowed up by seven withered ears. None of the wise men can interpret these dreams. The cupbearer then remembers Yosef, who is brought out of prison. Yosef declares that interpretation belongs to G-d and announces seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine; he advises storing up reserves. Pharaoh appoints him governor of Egypt, gives him the name Tzafnat-Paneach and gives him Asnat as a wife. Two sons are born to him: Menashe and Efraim. The famine comes and reaches Canaan as well. Yaakov sends ten of his sons to buy grain in Egypt, keeping Binyamin with him. Yosef recognizes his brothers, who do not recognize him; he accuses them of being spies, detains Shimon and demands that they return with their youngest brother. The brothers talk among themselves about the wrong they did Yosef. They find their money in their sacks. Yaakov at first refuses to let Binyamin go, then yields when Yehudah offers himself as guarantor. On the second journey, Yosef receives his brothers at his table, then has his silver goblet hidden in Binyamin’s sack. Overtaken, the brothers go back to Yosef, who announces that the one with whom the goblet was found will remain his slave.
The Themes
- Pharaoh’s dreams
- Planning ahead in times of plenty
- The testing of the brothers
Rav Raphaël Benizri’s Lectures on Mikets
There are no lectures by the Rav on this parasha yet. Find all available lectures on the Weekly Parasha page.
A Question for the Shabbat Table
Yosef goes from prison to power in a single day: how does one remain oneself when life changes abruptly?
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Summary by the Pensées Juives editorial team. The Rav’s teachings are found in his lectures, linked above.