* PARSHA Q&A * In-Depth Questions on the Parsha with Rashi Parshas Miketz For the week ending 30 Kislev 5755 2 & 3 December 1994 =========================================================================== Parsha Questions 1. From where did Egypt receive its water supply? 2. How did Pharaoh's recollection of his dream differ from Nevuchadnetzar's recollection of his dream? 3. Why did Pharaoh find fault with his magicians' interpretations of his dream? 4. Why was Yosef's hair cut before appearing in Pharaoh's presence? 5. What was the meaning of the lean cows swallowing the fat cows? 6. What does the giving of the king's ring signify? 7. What is the meaning of the name "Tzofnas Paneach"? 8. What happened to the Egyptians' grain that was stored in anticipation of the famine? 9. What did Yosef require the Egyptians to do before he would sell grain to them? 10. Why didn't the brothers recognize Yosef? 11. Under what pretext did Yosef accuse his brothers of being spies? 12. Why did the brothers enter the city through different gates? 13. When did Yosef swear by "the life of Pharaoh"? 14. Who was Yosef's interpreter? 15. Why did Yosef place Shimon in prison? 16. Which of the brothers found money in his sack first? 17. When did Yehuda approach Yaakov about bringing Binyamin to Egypt? 18. Why did Yosef say to Binyamin, "Hashem be gracious to you"? 19. For whom did Binyamin name his ten children? Bonus QUESTION: Why didn't Yosef send a message to Yaakov to tell him that he was well and alive in Egypt? I Did Not Know That! "And Yosef put [his brothers] in the prison for three days" (42:17). This corresponds to the three things that they did to Yosef: They stripped off his coat, they placed him in the pit, and they sold him. Ba'al HaTurim =========================================================================== Answers to this Week's Questions All references are to the verses and Rashi's commentary, unless otherwise stated 1. 41:1 - The Nile River flowed into a series of canals, providing water for the country. 2. 41:8 - Pharaoh remembered the contents of his dream but didn't know its meaning. Nevuchadnetzar forgot even the contents of his dream. 3. 41:8- There were interpreters, but not for Pharaoh, since he did not find any satisfaction in their interpretations. 4. 41:14 - Out of respect for the king. 5. 41:30 - During the years of famine, the years of plenty would be forgotten. 6. 41:42 - That the recipient is appointed second in rank to the king. 7. 41:45 - "Explainer of hidden things". 8. 41:55 - It rotted. 9. 41:55 - Become circumcised. 10. 42:8 - When Yosef was sold he did not have a beard. 11. 42:12 - They entered the city through ten different gates rather than through one gate. 12. 42:13 - To search for Yosef. 13. 42:15 - When he wished to swear falsely. 14. 42:23 - Menanshe. 15. 42:24 - To separate him from Levi, because together they posed a danger to him. 16. 42:27 - Levi. 17. 43:2 - When the grain they had purchased in Egypt was finished. 18. 43:29 - Yosef wanted to bless Binyamin with the word "grace". Yaakov used the word "grace" in reference to his children when he encountered Esav. Since Binyamin had not been born, he was not included. 19. 43:30 - For Yosef. Bonus ANSWER: Yosef was afraid that if he sent a message to Yaakov, Yaakov would find out what the brothers had done. To save his brothers from being shamed, Yosef concealed from Yaakov the fact that he was still alive. Ohr HaChaim HaKadosh =========================================================================== Can't make it to Israel for the Winter JLE program? There is still another option available: The Ohr Somayach WINTER LEARNING RETREAT held in our Monsey New York campus from December 22-29. This FREE program is open to college students who are interested in experiencing a taste of Jewish learning. 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