Attracted to problems: Parshat Miketz

Abstract

Joseph answered to a higher authority than Pharaoh and, thereby, felt confident in summoning the God of the Hebrews into his conversation. In Not in God’s Name, Rabbi Jonathan Sacks writes, “Every text needs interpretation. Every interpretation needs wisdom. Every wisdom needs careful negotiation between the timeless and time.” Joseph brought wisdom into his interpretation, and, because of his intimacy with God, his insights became timeless. Joseph became more than a shrewd and capable vizier; he eventually became, in the court’s eyes, a widely respected man of conviction because he was more than a problem-solver. He was a problem solver who gave God the credit (From Conclusion)