Voices of WRJ: Mikeitz

by Patti Nacht Parashat Mikeitz continues the story of Joseph in Egypt. We read of Joseph interpreting Pharaoh’s dreams to mean that Egypt will enjoy seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine. It is vital for Joseph to understand the dreams. If Egypt is consumed by famine, the neighboring peoples depending on Egypt for food will also suffer. This would include Joseph’s family in Canaan. Joseph perceived the danger and was prepared to insure his country’s, and his family’s, survival. Joseph is put in charge of the land. Famine strikes and Jacob sends his sons, except Benjamin, to Egypt to secure food. Joseph recognizes his brothers, but does not reveal himself to them. He tests them to see if they have changed since he last saw them. Simeon is taken and bound. Joseph will not let him go until the brothers go back to Canaan and return with Benjamin. The brothers are afraid that they were now being punished for what they had done to Joseph years before. They bring the food they have bought back to Canaan. When they find that their money has been returned to them, Jacob fears that Simeon is dead and refuses to let Benjamin go to Egypt. But the famine persists and Jacob has to let Benjamin accompany his brothers when they return to Egypt for more food. Judah takes responsibility for Benjamin’s safety. In Egypt, Benjamin is presented to Joseph. Simeon is released. The brothers leave Egypt with the much needed food. Once again their money is returned to them. This time, however, Joseph has had his silver goblet hidden in Benjamin’s sack. The brothers are brought back to Joseph. He says he will keep Benjamin, the one in possession of the goblet, as his slave. Judah confesses that they are all guilty before God. Is he confessing for abandoning Joseph years before? Joseph replies that only Benjamin is to stay.  The rest of the brothers are to return in peace to Jacob. With this, the parashah ends. Much happens in this parashah. The concept of responsibility is woven throughout. By accepting the responsibility for keeping the store houses full, Joseph is ensuring that the people will not starve during the years of famine and will have enough left to help others in need. So it is with the WRJ YES Fund Lifeline Endowment Fund. WRJ understands the needs of our global Reform/Progressive Jewish community and is aware of the necessity of planning for its future needs. The WRJ Lifeline Endowment Fund generates a source of income to the YES Fund, enabling WRJ to make its annual grants. During the 2012-2014 period, grants were awarded to the National Federation of Temple Youth (NFTY), to the URJ camps and to camps in the former Soviet Union, to South African teens attending a year-in-Israel program, and to youth programs in South America. Education grants were given to Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR) and to the HUC-JIR Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music for student scholarships. Special project grants were awarded to the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism (RAC), the Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism (IMPJ) Bat Mitzvah program, and to the Israel Religious Action Center (IRAC).  For further information about the WRJ Lifeline Endowment Fund please contact WRJ Manager of Development and Special Projects Liz Rosenblum at erosenblum@wrj.org or at 212.650.4056. Joseph had the foresight to insure against times of need and ensure the survival of his people. Like Joseph, those who contribute to the WRJ YES Fund Lifeline Endowment Fund are helping ensure that our global Reform/Progressive Jewish community endures l’dor va’dor – from generation to generation. Patti Nacht is an Area Director on the WRJ Northeast District Board and a WRJ Board member. She is also a Vice President of Temple B’nai Torah Sisterhood in Wantagh, NY.