Instructions for counting the omer are found on our Omer Overview Page. You can find the specific blessing for today at chabad.org.

We’re dedicating a new Sefer Torah on the first day of Shavuot. In honor of this joyous occasion, we’re using the counting of the Omer to take a whirlwind trip through the Torah

Today’s portion is Miketz from the book of Genesis. Today’s insight was generously provided by Laura J.

Verses of note: Genesis 44:1-44:17

What caught your attention in this parashah?

In this Parsha, Joseph shows himself to be a skilled interpreter of dreams. As a result of this skill, he is appointed to be second in power to Pharaoh and is given the authority to command the people of Egypt to store foodstuffs during seven years of plenty so that they may avoid starvation during the ensuing seven years of famine. It is in this context that his 10 half-brothers come from Canaan to plead for food for Jacob’s clan, leaving his only full brother, Benjamin, behind with Jacob. This is where the Parsha gets dicey for me. I understand that Joseph does not want to reveal himself to his brothers until Benjamin is present too. But why did Joseph then plant a silver goblet in Benjamin’s saddle bag and threaten to enslave him and send the other brothers back to their father in Canaan? Why did he not reveal his true identity to his brothers as soon as Benjamin returned with them?

What’s one explanation for these verses?

Although, in the next parsha, Joseph claims to not blame his brothers for their earlier dastardly act, I think that he may have wanted to see if they have matured, repented of their evil deed, and would fight to protect Benjamin. The whole scenario also makes for high drama, and the parsha ends with Benjamin seeming to be in great peril. This certainly leaves the reader (or listener in ancient days) in suspense and longing to know “the rest of the story,“ which is a very effective incentive for continued study of Torah.