In Weekly Parsha
Rosh Hashanah: At Your Service
“It was... on Pharaoh’s birthday that he made a party... he restored the butler, who then delivered a goblet to Pharaoh, and he executed the baker, as Yosef had predicted.” (Bereishis 40:20-22).
This is a very abstract hint based on a verse in the Torah. Can we understand it further? Let us begin with a simple question on the verse itself. When describing the outcome of the butler and baker, why does the verse go out of its way to inform us that after the butler was reinstated he then delivered a goblet to Pharaoh, why not just stick to the verdict?
I believe that contemplation upon this subject will yield an amazing and relevant insight!
The pressing question on all of our minds right now is, how can we assure that we will be judged favorably as Hashem decides our fate?! I believe that a deeper study of the judgment stated in this verse will give us a clear answer as to how we too can find favor in Hashem’s eyes.
First a brief summery of that story: Yosef was thrown into jail, accused of a sin which he did not commit. Pharaoh’s baker was jailed after a pebble was found in his bread; the butler was also locked up after a fly was found in Pharaoh’s goblet. Both were waiting to see if they indeed would be executed or excused. One night, each of them had a dream. Yosef heard the dream of the butler and assured him life and from the dream of the baker, he informed him that his life was over. How did he see this from their dreams?
The Netziv (Haamek Davar) explains a fascinating concept here. Listen carefully to the dreams and see if you can detect their clear undertones. The butler who was spared stated (Bereishis 40:9-11), “...in my dream there was a grapevine... Pharaoh’s cup was in my hand, I pressed the grapes into Pharaoh’s cup and placed the cup onto Pharaoh’s palm”. Yosef saw life from this!
The baker said (Bereishis 40:16-17), “...in my dream, there were three baskets on my head... in the top basket was baker’s goods.. and the birds were eating form the basket on my head”. Yosef saw death from this.
The focus of each dream, says the Netziv, is what showed Yosef how Pharaoh would rule. The baker focused on himself and his basket. He was not a dedicated servant. Pharaoh had no reason to keep him. The butler, on the other hand, focused on Pharaoh and his faithful service of the king. He was a devoted and dear servant. The king desired him!
This I believe is the explanation as to why the Torah tells us that after the butler was spared, he served a cup to Pharaoh. It is stressing that the only reason why he was granted life was because of his dedication to the king and the favor that he found in the king’s eyes. The king was honored and happy to have him as his servant.
This is a powerful message for us to bear in mind as we stand before Hashem in these great days of awe. How can we merit life? Hashem will give a sweet year to those that are dedicated to His service. Hashem will bestow pleasant rewards upon those who give Him great joy from their passionate service.
Let us focus on committing ourselves, in the depths of our hearts, to the true service of Hashem. Let us choose life and be proudly dedicated to follow Hashem! When Hashem sees our sincere effort to get close to Him, we will be dear in His eyes and we will merit a k’siva v’chasima tovah, a good judgment, and have a year of only sweet tidings and success!
Yosef Tropper
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