Tag Archives: Joseph

Common Cause?

In this week’s portion, we read about an incident involving Potiphar, Potiphar’s wife (never named in the Torah), Joseph, who is enslaved within Potiphar’s house, and other menservants of the household. Nechama Leibowitz points out how Potiphar’s wife uses different language when telling the servants her story and when telling her husband: this reflects anContinue reading “Common Cause?”

(#42) In Pharaoh’s House

Recalling that the biblical Joseph was sold into servitude in Pharaoh’s house and that, following his time in prison, he returns to servitude. He is exalted, has an important and powerful place in the administration, marries and has children; and he eventually reconciles with his family of origin. But he remains in servitude. And thatContinue reading “(#42) In Pharaoh’s House”

(#41) Pharaoh’s Signet

Upon leaving prison, the biblical Joseph is given a job, and Pharaoh’s ring and chain and clothing to signify his rank and Pharaoh’s trust (Gen 41:42). This does not reflect the experience of many returning citizens who face unemployment at much higher rates than those without records. Changing the odds upon re-entry is one aspectContinue reading “(#41) Pharaoh’s Signet”

(#38) No Trial

The biblical Joseph tells his fellow prisoners: “For in truth, I was kidnapped from the land of the Hebrews; nor have I done anything here that they should have put me in the dungeon.” — Gen 40:15 Sforno (Italy, c.1470 – 1550 CE) explains that Joseph’s meaning: the reason why he will have me releasedContinue reading “(#38) No Trial”

(#35) Two Sisters

Sisters Rachel and Leah, both of whom marry the biblical Jacob, have differing relationships to the land of their birth and to the one where Jacob resettles. Their stories reflect past and future exile and a sense of being outsiders in the home of their birth. With this stage, we meet Rachel’s child, Joseph, theContinue reading “(#35) Two Sisters”