Parashat Miketz, meaning At the End” (Genesis 41:1–44:17) continues the narrative of Yoseph’s life and his rise in Egypt. The parasha opens with Pharaoh being troubled by a pair of dreams that no one among Egypt’s wise men and priests can interpret. Pharaoh’s chief cupbearer recalls a Hebrew prisoner who once interpreted his dream in jail—Yoseph. Pharaoh summons Yoseph and says, “I have had a dream, but no one can interpret it. I have heard it said of you that you can understand a dream to interpret it.” Yoseph humbly replies that interpretations belong to G-d and that G-d will reveal the meaning to Pharaoh (Genesis 41:15–16).

Upon hearing Pharaoh’s dreams, Yoseph explains that G-d is revealing what He is about to do in Egypt. The dreams foretell seven years of plenty followed by seven years of severe famine. Yoseph not only interprets the dreams but also advises Pharaoh on a plan to prepare Egypt for the upcoming scarcity, recommending the storage of surplus grain during the years of abundance.

Pharaoh is impressed and declares, “Since G-d has shown you all this, there is no one so discerning and wise as you” (Genesis 41:39). Pharaoh appoints Yoseph as second-in-command over all of Egypt, saying, “Only in the throne will I be greater than you.” In a single day, G-d elevates Yoseph from a Hebrew slave to a ruler of Egypt (Genesis 41:40–43).

During the famine, people from all nations come to Egypt to buy grain, including Yoseph’s own brothers, who do not recognize him. Yoseph remembers the dreams he had about his brothers bowing down to him and begins to test them without revealing his identity, setting the stage for the eventual reunion of his family (Genesis 42:6–9).