This week’s Torah portion, Vayeishev, tells us of Jacob’s special love for his son Joseph (Rachel’s firstborn child), and how it caused the other brothers to hate him. The brothers are further angered when Joseph tells them about his recurring dreams, each of which implies that he will rule over them. One day, they decide to ruin his plans. They plot to kill him, but after Reuben, the oldest brother protests, they agree to throw him into a deep pit. Eventually, they sell him into slavery. They are reluctant to tell their father that his favorite son is not coming home, so they hint to him that a wild animal ate him.

Joseph is sold and resold. Eventually he is brought down to Egypt, where a landowner named Potiphar purchases him. Potiphar is deeply impressed by Joseph’s abilities and appoints him to manage his entire estate. However, he is quickly faced with another challenge. Potiphar’s wife makes repeated advances to him. He refuses, she vengefully concocts false charges against him and he is thrown into prison. In prison, he is favored by the guards and is appointed the warden of the inmates.

Ten years later, the royal butler and baker are jailed. One night they each have a perplexing dream, and ask Joseph to interpret them. He does so - correctly – and becomes known as a person who can interpret dreams accurately. This event sets the stage for next week’s Torah portion, where Joseph ascends rapidly to the highest ranks of Egypt’s government.