Parshas Vayeishev for Kids
פרשת וישב
Yosef's brothers cannot bear his dreams or his striped coat. He is thrown into a pit, sold, and carried down to Mitzrayim - and even in prison he is the one people come to when they need a dream explained.
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What happens in Parshas Vayeishev
Yaakov Avinu loves Yosef dearly and gives him a special colorful coat. Yosef dreams that his brothers' sheaves of grain bow to his, and that the sun, moon and eleven stars bow to him, and the brothers grow jealous. When Yaakov sends Yosef to check on his brothers in the fields, they throw him into a pit. Rashi notes that the pit had no water, but snakes and scorpions were inside. Yosef is sold to a passing caravan, and Rashi teaches that, unlike most caravans, this one carried sweet smelling spices, a small kindness from Hashem.
In Mitzrayim Yosef becomes a servant in the house of Potiphar, an officer of Paroh. The Torah says Hashem was with Yosef, and Rashi explains that Hashem's name was always on his lips. Even when he ends up in prison through no fault of his own, Yosef stays cheerful and helpful. He notices that two of Paroh's officers, the butler and the baker, look worried, and he explains their dreams. Everything happens just as he said, but the butler forgets all about Yosef.
Lessons and middos for children
Noticing others
Yosef saw that the butler and baker looked sad and asked them what was wrong. We can notice when someone is upset and ask how we can help.Bitachon
Even in a far away land and even in prison, Yosef remembered that Hashem was with him. Hashem is with us everywhere.Shalom in the family
Jealousy caused a lot of pain between the brothers. We try to be happy for our siblings when good things happen to them.
Questions for the Shabbos table
- What did Yosef dream about? What do you think the dreams meant?
- Rashi says Hashem's name was always on Yosef's lips. How can we remember Hashem during our day?
- Yosef asked the officers why they looked sad. Have you ever helped someone who looked upset?
- What can you do if you feel jealous of a brother, sister or friend?
How your child steps into the story
Your child walks the fields with Yosef as he searches for his brothers, and later sits with him in the Egyptian prison as he listens kindly to the butler's dream. The story ends with Yosef still waiting, and a hint that soon Paroh himself will have dreams no one can explain.