Miketz

The Source of Power

Adapted from Rabbi Shefa Gold

In the language of the soul, enslavement is the complete identification of ego with the material world. When the soul loses its conscious connection with the infinite, then it is in Mitzrayim, the narrow place -- the Hebrew word for Egypt. Parshat Miketz reminds us how we get there - and how we find our way out.

Yosef is recognized by Paraoh as "the one in whom the spirit of God lives." Thus Yosef is raised up into power through his wisdom and psychic gifts. Paraoh empowers him to devise a plan for managing the famine. During the time of plenty, Yosef gathers the wealth of the land. During the time of famine, he sells it back to the people. Those at the lowest socio-economic level become vulnerable. Eventually, Yosef's own people are enslaved by this system of power and wealth.

Miketz shows us the challenge of having power and wealth: to keep it, you must serve the one who gave it to you. You must constantly reinforce the system that keeps it intact. This entanglement can be a form of moral and spiritual slavery. Yet Miketz shows us how to avoid this enslavement. Yosef's power comes first from God, and later from Paraoh. If we can constantly remember that the true source is God, then our wielding of power will express the divine attributes of justice and compassion.

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