In R. Jonathan Sacks’ 1999 essay for Parashat MiKetz, “Divine Providence and Human Choice” (Covenant & Conversation | Mikketz | Divine Providence and Human Choice | Rabbi Sacks | הרב זקס), he attempts to explain the paradoxical philosophical statement engendered by R. Akiva:

Avot 3:15

Everything is foreseen yet freedom of choice is granted… Continue reading →

In R. Amnon Bazak’s fourth essay for Parashat MiKetz, “VeYa’asu Kein” (Nekudat Peticha: Iyunim Ketzarim BePeshuta Shel Parashat HaShavua, [revised and expanded], Yediot Acharonot, Rishon LeTziyon, 2018, pp. 99-100), he asks a question that he claims “is one of the most difficult challenges to commentating on the bible.” After locking up the brothers for three days under the pretense of accusing them of spying under the guise of looking to borrow bread, Yosef presents a proposal that is capped with two words, normally indicating the brother’s acceptance of Yosef’s terms:

(R. Bazak cites Chizkuni as the only one of the classical commentators who addresses the problem:

Chizkuni on Beraishit 42:20

.ויעשו כן, “they did so.” They agreed with Yosef’s conditions. 

And remarks that all other instances of the phrase in the bible is interpreted in association with some action, as opposed to internal agreement, thereby making Chizkuni’s interpretation questionable when compared to other usages.) Continue reading →

In R. David Silverberg’s Sunday 2019 essay for Parashat Miketz (SALT 2019 – Parashat Miketz | Yeshivat Har Etzion), he seeks to understand a particular detail in Pharoah’s dream that is ultimately interpreted by Yosef:

Beraishit 41:3

But presently, seven other cows came up from the Nile close behind them, ugly and gaunt, and stood beside the cows on the bank of the Nile. Continue reading →

In R. Yehuda Amital’s 1983 Sicha for Miketz (–Chanuka,) “Jewish Sovereignty was Restored” (https://tinyurl.com/2y2jmxyy ) he begins by highlighting a passage from the addition to the Amida (the Silent Devotion) and Birkat HaMazon (Grace after Meals) recited over the course of  Chanuka:

(We thank You) for the miracles, for the redemption, for the mighty deeds, for the deliverances and for the wars that You performed for our fathers in those days at this season. Continue reading →