Parasha Miketz, Year 2: The Journey of the Sons of Israel to Yoseph.
Shabbat Shalom, Nazarene family.
This week we will see the parashah Miketz, portion of year 2, in which we will see the story of Yoseph (Joseph) in Egypt and the journey of his brothers to get food for their families. In addition, we will read about how Yoseph came to be appointed as administrator over the land of Egypt, entrusting him with the management of storing provisions during the boom years to face the coming shortage. Finally, we will see what Joseph did with his brothers when he recognized them, as he plans to reveal his true identity.
B’reisheet (Genesis) 42:6-8
6 Now Yoseph (Joseph) was governor over the land; and it was he who sold to all the people of the land. And Yoseph’s brothers came and bowed down before him with their faces to the earth.
7 Yoseph saw his brothers and recognized them, but he acted as a stranger to them and spoke roughly to them. Then he said to them, “Where do you come from?” And they said, “From the land of Canaan to buy food.”
8 So Yoseph recognized his brothers, but they did not recognize him.
This week corresponds to the reading of the texts (in bold):
- B’reisheet (Genesis) 41:1-52 / 41:53-43:15 / 43:16-44:17
- Zekaryah (Zechariah) 3:1-10 / 4:1-7 / 4:8-14
- Luqa (Luke) 4:1-13 / 4:14-30 / 4:31-44
Summary of the weekly study, Year two:
B’reisheet (Genesis) 41:53-43:15
These verses teach about Yahweh’s provision and forgiveness. Elohim uses Yoseph to interpret Pharaoh’s dreams, preparing Egypt for seven years of famine. The story highlights how faith and obedience enable Yoseph to thrive in the midst of adversity. It also shows the transformative power of forgiveness, as Yoseph, despite the pain caused by his brothers, forgives them and seeks reconciliation. It is a reminder of how Yahweh’s grace can redeem even the most difficult situations and restore fractured relationships.
Zekaryah (Zechariah) 4:1-7
In these verses the message is conveyed that obstacles can be overcome through the strength of Elohim. The prophet Zekaryah (Zechariah) sees a vision of a golden lampstand fed by two olive trees, symbolizing Yahweh’s continued provision for His work. We can learn not to rely on human strength, but on the power of the Set-apart Spirit. The vision calls to face challenges with faith, trusting in the Father’s help, which is the true source of success in Yahweh’s work.
Luqa (Luke) 4:14-30
In these verses Yeshua returns to Nazareth, where He is given the scroll of Isaiah to read in the synagogue. As He reads the passage about Yahweh’s Spirit upon Him, He declares its fulfillment. However, the crowd doubts and challenges Him. Yeshua rebukes their unbelief and reminds them how Elohim often blesses the Gentiles. This infuriates the crowd, who try to throw Him off, but He passes through them. This lesson teaches us about the universality of Yeshua’s message and how unbelief can arise even among those close to Him.
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Enjoy this fun activity with the whole family. Inside you will find development questions for the three weekly sections (Torah, Haftarah and Brit Chadashah). While the older ones discuss the questions and their answers, the younger ones can color the picture related to the teaching, solve a maze, find the 7 differences and much more. We encourage you to do it week by week and instill in your children the habit of studying Yahweh’s word as a family.
We hope you and especially your sons and daughters enjoy this effort. For it is through the study of the Scriptures that we can come to understand the love and care that Yahweh has always had for us. And also to perceive that He has been taking care of even the smallest detail, so that we can take care and enjoy all that He gives us. That is why it is so important that our children learn and grow up knowing that they are loved by the Creator of all that exists.
Shalom.
