Community Torah Corner - December 19, 2025

This week’s parsha, Parshat Miketz, tells the story of Yosef’s rise from the lowest place imaginable to the highest. Yosef begins the parsha in prison as he is forgotten and powerless, but by the end, he is second in command of Egypt, but what is truly striking about this story is how this transformation happens.

When Pharaoh asks Yosef to interpret his dream, Yosef could have taken full credit. After all, this was his chance to escape prison. Instead, Yosef immediately says, “It is not by my own power; God will provide the answer.” Even at the moment when his future is on the line, Yosef stays humble and grounded. He understands that leadership doesn’t come from ego, but from responsibility.

Yosef doesn’t just interpret the dream, he acts on it. He turns insight into action by creating a plan to store food during years of abundance so people can survive during famine. The Torah is teaching us that wisdom alone isn’t enough. Real wisdom is the ability to prepare, to think ahead, and to care for others before a crisis hits.

There’s another powerful lesson here. Yosef suffered deeply, betrayal by his brothers, slavery, and prison. Yet when he finally succeeds, he doesn’t seek revenge or self-pity. Instead, he names his children to reflect healing and growth. Yosef shows us that our past pain doesn’t have to define us; it can shape us into more compassionate, thoughtful people.

Parshat Miketz reminds us that leadership is not about status, but about integrity. Even when no one is watching, even when life feels unfair, the choices we make matter. Like Yosef, we can choose patience, humility, and responsibility and trust that growth often begins long before success is visible.

Thank you and Shabbat Shalom.