Miketz:

Genesis 41:1-44:17.

OVERVIEW

It is two years later. Pharaoh has a dream. He is not satisfied with any of the interpretations offered to explain it. Pharaoh's wine chamberlain remembers that Joseph accurately interpreted his dream while in prison and Joseph is released. Joseph interprets that within a short time there will be seven years of abundance, followed by seven years of severe famine. Joseph tells Pharaoh to appoint a wise person to store grain in preparation for the famine. Pharaoh appoints him as viceroy to oversee the project. Pharaoh gives Joseph an Egyptian name, Tsafnas Panayach, and selects Osnas, Joseph's ex-master's daughter, as Joseph's wife. Egypt becomes the granary of the world. Joseph has two sons, Menashe and Ephraim. Jacob, hearing that there is food in Egypt, sends his sons to buy provisions. The brothers come before Joseph and bow to him. Joseph recognizes them, but they do not recognize him. Mindful of his dreams, Joseph plays the part of an Egyptian overlord and acts harshly, accusing them of being spies. Joseph sells them food, but keeps Shimon hostage until they bring their brother Benjamin to him as proof of their honesty. Joseph commands his servants to replace the purchase-money in their sacks. On the return journey, they discover the money and their hearts sink. They return to their father Jacob and retell everything. Jacob refuses to let Benjamin go to Egypt, but when the famine grows unbearably harsh, he accedes. Yehuda guarantees Benjamin's safety, and the brothers go to Egypt. Joseph welcomes the brothers lavishly as honored guests. When he sees Benjamin he rushes from the room and weeps. Joseph instructs his servants to replace the money in the sacks, and to put his goblet inside Benjamin's sack. When the goblet is discovered, Joseph demands Benjamin become his slave as punishment. Yehuda interposes and offers himself instead, but Joseph refuses.

Overview courtesy of Rabbis Newman and Sinclair, Ohr Somayach