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Why does Yosef interpret Pharaoh's dreams as seven years of "satisfaction" rather than merely "plenty"? Rashi (רש"י) reveals that the fat cows symbolize people looking kindly at each other—psychological contentment, not just economic abundance. The lesson: true satisfaction means not begrudging others, a principle that counters Greek competitive philosophy and forms the core message of Chanukah (חנוכה).
Rabbi Zweig presents a revolutionary reading of Pharaoh's dreams in Parshas Mikeitz, showing that what we thought we understood about this familiar narrative requires complete reexamination. The common understanding is that the seven fat cows represent seven years of plenty (abundant food) and the seven thin cows represent seven years of famine. However, Rashi (רש"י) offers a completely different interpretation that transforms our understanding of the entire episode. The key textual problem Rashi addresses is why Yosef repeatedly uses the word "sova" (satisfaction/satiation) rather than simply "plenty" when interpreting the dreams. Additionally, the Torah (תורה) describes two seemingly different outcomes: one pasuk says the good years will be "forgotten" during the famine, while another says that even trying to remember them will be impossible. Rashi explains these represent two separate dimensions—one from each dream.
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Why doesn't Chanukah appear in the Mishna? The shiur develops a fundamental yesod: Chanukah represents the victory of Gemara—the human ability to use godly intellect (ner Hashem nishmas adam) to develop Torah SheBaal Peh. The Menorah symbolizes the soul's illumination through this koach, while the Mizbeach represents the body's recreation—together forming the complete tikkun of man.
Why does the Midrash connect Pharaoh's expulsion of the Jews to the mitzvah of shiluach hakan? The shiur develops a chiddush that Pharaoh's sin wasn't only drowning the children, but the insensitivity of expelling the parents afterward. The deeper analysis reveals that Pharaoh may have valued the Jews greatly and wanted to control them—making his expulsion an act of tremendous cruelty, not liberation.
Parshas Mikeitz - Pharaoh's Dreams (Bereishis 41)
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