Summary of parashat Miketz
Joseph's imprisonment ends when Pharaoh dreams of seven fat cows being swallowed by seven lean cows, and seven fat ears of grain being swallowed by seven thin ears. Joseph interprets the dreams as signifying that seven years of abundance will be followed by seven years of famine, and he advises Pharaoh to store grain during the seven years of plenty. Pharaoh appoints Joseph governor over Egypt. Joseph marries Asenath, Potiphar's daughter, and they have two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim.
Famine spreads throughout the region, and food can only be obtained in Egypt. Ten of Joseph's brothers come to Egypt to buy grain; the youngest, Benjamin, stays home because Jacob fears for his safety. Joseph recognizes his brothers, but they do not recognize him; he accuses them of being spies, insists they bring Benjamin to prove their identities, and takes Simeon hostage. Later, the brothers discover that the money they paid for their provisions is mysteriously returned to them.
Jacob agrees to send Benjamin only after Judah assumes personal and eternal responsibility for him. This time, Joseph receives them graciously, frees Simeon, and invites them to a lavish meal at his home. But then he places his golden cup, supposedly imbued with magical powers, in Benjamin's bag. When the brothers leave for his house the next morning, they are pursued, searched, and arrested when the cup is discovered. Joseph offers to release them and keep only Benjamin as his slave.
