The Parashat Vayeshev, meaning “and He Dwelt” (Genesis 37:1–40:23) opens with Yoseph’s two dreams, which fuel the jealousy of his brothers. In the first dream, Yoseph envisions his brothers’ sheaves bowing to his own sheaf in the field. In the second dream, he sees the sun, moon, and eleven stars bowing to him. Ya’acov interprets this as a sign that he, Yoseph’s mother, and his brothers would bow to Yoseph, which only stirs further resentment among his siblings due to Ya’acov's favoritism toward Yoseph (Genesis 37:5–11).

When the opportunity arises, Yoseph’s brothers plot to kill him. Reuben persuades them instead to throw Yoseph into a pit, intending to rescue him later. However, the brothers, still angry, ultimately sell Yoseph to a passing caravan of Ishmaelites. They take Yoseph’s special coat, tear it, stain it with blood, and present it to Ya’acov, deceiving him into believing that Yoseph was killed by a wild animal. This deception breaks Ya’acov’s heart (Genesis 37:12–35).

The parasha then turns to Yehudah’s family. Yehudah’s first son, Er, dies for being wicked, and his second son, Onan, also dies for not fulfilling his duty to provide an heir for his brother’s widow, Tamar. Later, Yehudah himself, unknowingly, has children with Tamar, which leads to a humbling moment when his actions are exposed, causing him shame (Genesis 38:6–26).

The last section of Vayeshev focuses on Yoseph in Mitzrayim. Sold by the Ishmaelites to Potiphar, the captain of Pharaoh’s guard, Yoseph prospers because the L-rd is with him. Potiphar puts him in charge of his entire household, trusting him with all his possessions. However, Potiphar’s wife repeatedly attempts to seduce Yoseph. Despite his resistance, she falsely accuses him, leading to Yoseph’s imprisonment (Genesis 39:1–20).

Even in prison, G-d’s favor remains with Yoseph. The prison warden entrusts him with responsibility over the other prisoners, and whatever Yoseph does prospers. Toward the end of this portion, Pharaoh’s chief cupbearer and chief baker are also imprisoned. Both men have troubling dreams, and Yoseph, with G-d’s help, interprets them. The cupbearer’s dream foretells his restoration to Pharaoh’s service, and Yoseph asks him to remember him when he is released. However, as feared, the cupbearer forgets Yoseph, leaving him still imprisoned (Genesis 40:1–23).