Parshas Mikeitz for Kids

פרשת מקץ

Paroh dreams of seven fat cows and seven thin ones, and no one can tell him what it means until Yosef is brought up from the dungeon. In a single day he goes from prisoner to viceroy, and his brothers arrive looking for food.

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What happens in Parshas Mikeitz

Two years pass, and Paroh dreams of seven fat cows eaten by seven thin ones, and seven full ears of grain swallowed by seven thin ones. None of his wise men can explain it, until the butler finally remembers Yosef. Yosef is brought up from the prison and tells Paroh plainly that it is not his own wisdom: Hashem will give the answer. Seven years of plenty are coming, followed by seven years of hunger. Paroh makes Yosef ruler over all Mitzrayim to store up food, and Yosef names his sons Menashe and Ephraim.

When the famine spreads to Canaan, Yaakov Avinu sends ten of his sons to buy food. They bow before the ruler of Mitzrayim without recognizing him, but Yosef knows them at once. He tests them, keeps Shimon behind, and insists that they bring their youngest brother, Binyamin. Yehudah personally promises his father to bring Binyamin home safely. On their way back, Yosef's silver goblet is found in Binyamin's sack, and the brothers return in fear to stand before Yosef.

Lessons and middos for children

  • Humility

    Yosef told Paroh that the answer comes from Hashem, not from himself. When we do something well, we remember that our talents are a gift from Hashem.

  • Planning ahead

    Yosef saved food during the good years for the hard years to come. We can save and prepare instead of using everything up at once.

  • Responsibility

    Yehudah promised to look after Binyamin. When we are trusted with something, we take that job seriously.

Questions for the Shabbos table

  1. What did Paroh dream about, and what did Yosef say the dreams meant?
  2. Why do you think Yosef said the answer came from Hashem and not from himself?
  3. If you knew hard times were coming, what would you save and get ready?
  4. Why do you think the brothers did not recognize Yosef?

How your child steps into the story

Your child stands in Paroh's great hall as Yosef explains the dreams, and then helps fill the storehouses with grain during the years of plenty. The story ends at the moment the silver goblet is found, with everyone wondering what Yosef will do next.