As we learned in Parashat Miketz, Pharoah dreamt about an impending famine. From his perspective as the ultimate ruler, he believed that he would live eternally. He was not able to understand or appreciate tragedies or any suffering that might be caused by a famine, these were the problems for mortals. Through this mere mortal lens, Joseph understood that although Egypt was the “land of plenty”, Pharoah could not promise a sustainable food source. During these plentiful times Joseph decided to begin storing grain. When the seven years of plenty came to an end, famine entered the land. Joseph was prepared and opened up the storehouses and began to sell the grain to avert a potential tragedy. Beyond his interpretation skills, I appreciate Joseph’s problem solving abilities and his focus on being prepared for the future.
