Parashat Miketz- At the End- Shabbath, 28 December 2024 / 27 Kislev 5785

Dec 24, 20244 min read

"Does Miketz Represent the Two 'Ends'—The Spiritual 'Left' of Exile and Evil, and the Spiritual 'Right' of Holiness and Redemption?"

THE ZOHAR'S MIKETZ CONTRASTS TWO "ENDS": HOLINESS AND LIGHT ON THE RIGHT, AND EXILE AND EVIL ON THE LEFT, HINTING AT REDEMPTION WHEN DARKNESS AND DEATH ARE DEFEATED

Miketz: The Dual Ends of Exile and Redemption in the Journey of Yosef HaTzaddik

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The Holy One Blessed Be He. In the weekly parsha studies of Miketz with Beit Yisrael, guided by the insightful notes of Gaddi Efrayim from the teachings of the sages, we delve into the transformative themes of Dual Ends and the Journey of Yosef.

This parsha holds layers of textual and mystical meaning. The word Miketz, "at the end," carries significant eschatological and spiritual implications. According to our sages, it reflects two distinct "ends": the spiritual 'left,' signifying the cessation of evil and exile, and the spiritual 'right,' symbolizing divine goodness, holiness, and the ultimate realization of G-d's purpose in creation.

In Yosef HaTzaddik’s journey from the depths of prison to his rise as Pharaoh’s second-in-command, we see this cosmic struggle between darkness and light. Yosef’s ascension represents the triumph of divine mercy and ultimate spiritual victory, offering hope and inspiration across generations.

The sages further illuminate Yosef’s role as Tzafnat Paneakh, the "revealer of mysteries," as a foreshadowing of Mashiach ben Yosef. Just as Yosef provided clarity, sustenance, and unity during a time of famine and fragmentation, Mashiach ben Yosef will reveal the Torah’s profound mysteries, unite humanity under divine wisdom, and pave the way for ultimate redemption.

This Week’s Torah portion, Miketz—meaning "At the End”— offers profound insights into The Life of Yosef HaTzaddik, a story rich with eschatological and spiritual themes. Yosef’s life embodies this duality. His descent into the depths of prison and subsequent rise to power as Pharaoh’s second-in-command mirrors the cosmic struggle between darkness and light. His journey serves as a beacon of hope and demonstrates the ultimate triumph of divine mercy and spiritual victory.

Insights from the Sages on Parshat Miketz: Teachings from the Zohar and Chassidut

1. Dual Ends: Spiritual "Right" and "Left"

The Zohar explains that the word "Miketz" embodies two opposing "ends." The spiritual right represents goodness, holiness, and the eventual triumph of divine light, while the spiritual left signifies the forces of evil, exile, and the destructive influence of the Yetzer HaRa (evil inclination).

Rabbi Chiya, in his commentary on Job 28:3, associates the "end of darkness" with the cessation of Satan's dominion and the defeat of the angel of death at the time of final redemption. The "end of the left" signals the eradication of these destructive forces.

2. Chassidut: Miketz as Spiritual Awakening

In Chassidut, miketz is viewed as a metaphor for the soul’s journey from darkness to light, symbolizing both personal and collective redemption.

Sefat Emet (Rabbi Yehudah Aryeh Leib of Ger): Miketz represents the spiritual awakening that follows a period of concealment or exile. The "end" signifies the moment when divine light breaks through the barriers of the material world, leading to spiritual transformation. Joseph’s rise to power is seen as an allegory for the Jewish soul’s ascent after enduring trials and concealment.
Toldot Yaakov Yosef (Rabbi Yaakov Yosef of Polonne): Miketz reflects the soul’s inner struggle to overcome the forces of darkness (the yetzer hara, or evil inclination). Just as Joseph persevered through hardship, the soul must strive to reconnect with its divine source.
Themes of Redemption: Chassidic teachings emphasize that miketz also points to the ultimate redemption, when the "end of the left" (forces of evil) will lead to the triumph of holiness.
Tikunei Zohar 13a: Miketz is associated with the "end of days," when the divine light hidden in creation will be fully revealed. This corresponds to the ultimate tikkun (rectification) of the world.

3.Miketz in Kabbalistic Thought

The Kabbalistic interpretation of miketz ties it to the unfolding of divine sefirot (attributes), particularly the interplay of Chesed (kindness) and Gevurah (judgment). It signifies:

Tikkun (Rectification): The repair of fractured spiritual realities, leading to unity.
End of Exile: The spiritual refinement of Israel and the triumph of divine mercy over judgment.

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