Summary of The Weekly Torah Reading:
Parshas Vayeishev
Note: The Shabbos Torah Reading is divided into 7 sections. Each section
is called an Aliya [literally: Go up] since for each Aliya, one person
"goes up"
to make a bracha [blessing] on the Torah Reading.
1st Aliya:
In the year 2216, Yakov was settled in Canaan. Yoseph was 17
years old and Yakov presented him with the multi-colored coat. Yoseph related
his two dreams to his brothers.
2nd Aliya:
The brothers conspired to kill Yoseph, but Reuven intervened. He
suggested throwing Yoseph into a pit to buy time, during which he would have
been able to save Yoseph.
3rd Aliya:
During Reuven's absence, Yehudah suggested selling Yoseph into
slavery. The brothers presented Yakov with contrived evidence of Yoseph's
death, and he was inconsolable.
4th Aliya:
The story of Yehudah and Tamar is related. In the end, their first
son, Peretz, is the progenitor of Mashiach.
5th Aliya:
Yoseph had been purchased by Potiphar and was quickly recognized
for his managerial skills and integrity. He was appointed to run Potiphar's
household.
6th Aliya:
Potiphar's wife attempted to seduce Yoseph, but Yoseph withstood
temptation and fled his mistress's presence. He was thrown into the royal
prison and was soon chosen by the warden to run the prison.
7th Aliya:
Due to his managerial position, Yoseph came in contact with the
former royal wine steward and baker. He successfully interpreted their dreams
and the wine steward was re-appointed to his position. Yoseph asked the wine
steward to intervene on his behalf with Pharaoh. In the year 2227, Yoseph is 28 years old.
Parsha Summary by Rabbi Aron Tendler
