Parashat Mikketz in English

Joseph’s prison ends when Pharaoh dreams of seven fat cows, being swallowed by seven skinny cows, and seven big ears swallowed by seven thin ears. Joseph interprets dreams as meaning that seven years of plenty will be followed by seven years of famine and advises Pharaoh to store grain during the seven years of plenty. Pharaoh appoints Joseph as governor of Egypt. Joseph marries Asnat, daughter of Potiphar, and they have two sons, Menashe and Ephraim. Famine spreads throughout the region. Ten of Joseph’s brothers come to Egypt to buy grain. Benjamin stays at home because Jacob fears for his safety. Joseph recognizes his brothers, but they do not recognize him; he accuses them of being spies, insists that they bring Benjamin to prove what they said, and holds Shimon prisoner as a hostage. Later, the brothers discover that the money they paid for their provisions is returned to them