DVAR TORAH Parshat Miketz opens with the words, "And it was two years later, and Pharaoh dreamed that he was standing by the Nile."
Of course, the information about the dream is important, but why did the Torah add that it was two years later?
According to Rashi, the answer is found in a midrash, which teaches that since Yosef put his trust in the butler, asking him to remember him to Pharaoh, using the two words "u'zchartani, v'hotzaitani" [lit. and remember me and take me out], his stay in jail was extended for two more years.
The origin of Rashi's comment is in Bereshit Rabbah, where the midrash states: "'Happy is the man who places his trust in G-d' - this refers to Yosef; '...and turned not to the arrogant and to strayers after falsehood' - whose sentence was extended for two years because of the two words he said to the butler."
But what does THAT midrash mean? After all, it first identifies Yosef as the prime example of someone who trusts G-d. And then it says, "because" he asked the butler to put in a good word for him and did not trust G-d sufficiently, he was punished with two extra years in jail.
Which is it? Was Yosef the "Truster" par excellence, or did he put his trust in people?
According to Rav Eliyahu Lopian, the answer is both. Because for the average person, not only is one allowed to make an effort (hishtadlut) for what one needs, but one is obligated to make that effort. But for Yosef, a man Chazal refer to as a Tzaddik, such actions were inappropriate. He should have trusted entirely in G-d and not "hedged his bets" at all.
And so, "'Happy is the one who places his trust in Hashem' -- this refers to Yosef, who trusted G-d AND did what he could, which is precisely what most of us should do. But, at the same time, Yosef is criticized because HE should have remained at his level of trusting in G-d alone and not seeking human intervention, which is why he was punished with two extra years in jail.
Tuesdays @ 8:30 pm - KINS Women's Tehillim Group each week at a different home. To stay informed - CLICK HERE
HALACHA OF THE WEEK: ASARA B’TEVET ON FRIDAY This Friday, we will observe the fast day of Asara B’Tevet, commemorating the beginning of Nevuchadnetzar’s two-and-a-half-year siege of Jerusalem. This fast day is the only one that can occur on a Friday. One reason offered is that, like Yom Kippur, it is referred to in Tanach with the words “b’etzem hayom hazeh” [in the midst of this day], and therefore, it is never postponed [Abudraham, Seder Tefillot Hata’aniot, 23:13].
The fast begins 72 minutes before sunrise (5:56 am) and ends at tzait hakochavim, or in this case with kiddush on Friday night [Rema Orech Chaim 249:4)]. At shacharit we say selichot, and at mincha we read from the Torah and add “aeinu” to the Amidah. However, because it is erev Shabbat, we do not say tachanun or Avinu Malkeinu at mincha [Mishna Berurah 550:11 and 566:5].
Shabbat preparations are as usual. Bathing and haircuts are permitted [Mishna Berura 551:7]. Nevertheless, those who refrain from listening to music on fast days should refrain from music on Asara B’Tevet.
Asara B’tevet will again occur on a Friday in the years 5785, 5795, and 5798.
Receive a daily 3 Minute Thought directly to your whatsapp. Click here to enroll
MAZAL TOV * to Levi and Lani Kahn on the Bat Mitzvah of their daughter, Meira. Mazal Tov to grandparents Moshe and Shoshie Kahn. * to Tzvi and Orah Frankenthal on the Bat Mitzvah of their daughter, Shelby. Mazal tov to grandparents Elchanan and Annette Frankenthal and Israel and Ethel Starck. * to Avery and Sarah Amster on the birth of a daughter. Mazal Tov to grandparents Jeremy and Rebecca Amster and Brian and Michelle Levinson. Special Mazal Tov to great-grandparents Steve & Cheryl Karesh, Howard & Shoshana Benditzson, Sid & Faye Levinson and Stan & Jean Kalb. * to Ruth Rotenberg and Glen Miller on the engagement of their daughter, Asaysha to Hayim Peretz (Israel). * to Amiel and Channah Naiman on the birth of a grandson. The proud parents are Dr. Dassie and Moshe Dov Lapin. Special Mazal Tov to great-grandmother Mrs. Naomi Naiman. * to Dr. Shmuel and Chana Goldstein on the birth of a grandson. The proud parents are Yigal and Zoe Goldstein.
SPONSORS @ KINS To sponsor a Kiddush, Seuda Shlishit, or to donate to the Kiddush Fund or Learning Fund please click here.
The Main Minyan Kiddush is sponsored by Levi and Lani Kahn in honor of the Bat Mitzvah of their daughter, Meira.
Seudah Shlishit at North is sponsored by Chaim and Esti Ben-Porat in commemoration of the yahrtzeit of Chaim’s mother, Adina Ben-Porat z’l.
Donations to the Kiddush Fund were made by: * Ruth Rotenberg and Glen Miller in honor of the 10th anniversary of their son’s Nerya’s Bar Mitzvah and in honor of the engagement of their daughter, Asaysha to Chaim Peretz (Israel). * Dr. Harvey and Diane Abramowitz in commemoration of the yahrtzeit of Harvey’s mother, Lee Abramowitz z’l.
DAILY & WEEKLY SHIURIM DAF YOMI – Mon.-Fri. after 6:25 Shacharit; Sunday - 6:45am PARSHA PERSPECTIVE – RECORDED Sunday-Friday
BIRTHDAYS Yaakov Matanky (12/9) Ari Levenson (12/10) Dr. Michael Meer (12/10) Elyakum Levenson (12/11) Dr. Eli Jacobs (12/12) Meira Kahn (12/12) Mrs. Chani Isenberg (12/15) Lior Matanky (12/15)
ANNIVERSARIES Larry and Sheryl Merzel (12/12) Paul and Batia Bromberg (12/13) Howard and Shoshana Benditzson (12/15)
Congregation K.I.N.S. of West Rogers Park Main: 2800 W. North Shore Ave & North: 3003 West Touhy • Chicago, IL 60645 P 773.761.4000 • F 773.761.4959 • www.congkins.org
AMUD HASHAVUA - Mondays 1:00-2:00pm
MONDAY NIGHT SEDER - Mondays 8:00-9:00pm
PARSHAT HASHAVUA - Tuesdays 12:30-11:30pm 
SEFER MELACHIM - Wednesdays 1:00-2:00pm
SEMICHAT CHAVER PROGRAM - 
SHABBAT WOMEN'S SHIUR - Shabbat 3:00-4:00pm
TALMUD CLASS – 
SEFER YESHAYAHU - will resume 12/31