By Kali Silverman

Parashat Miketz is, in short (cause it's really long), about Joseph interpreting Pharaoh's dreams (when no one else could) and then he is appointed to implement Egypt's anti-famine plan (7 years of plenty and 7 years of famine), which brings him into contact with his brothers again.

You can find the summary here.

What I’m going to focus on is after Pharaoh finds out about the prophecy, he needs to find “...a man discreet and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt” (41:33). And so “Pharaoh said unto his servants: 'Can we find such a one as this, a man in whom the spirit of God is?'” (41:38) to which the answer is Joseph.

I wonder about the qualities Pharaoh is looking for in the person he will put in charge of saving Egypt in this time of famine. He needs to be discreet, smart and wise, and has a “spirit of God.”

Rav E. Lapian's insight into the 'smart and wise' requirement is that although any bright person could have arranged for food to be stored, it takes a wise person to plan and implement for the future. It's that extra bit of foresight a wise person has that gives him the added push to do what he knows must be done, although the results are not immediate, or immediately apparent. And not only was Yosef wise, but he also had the 'spirit of God' – meaning - Not only was he wise enough to think of the future, but he had God's help in knowing how to do it, which is an even higher level (source).

This is all about the power behind our values that propels us to be leaders and to be empowered and empowered others to change the world. If there’s a big task to do, of course I’d want the person who’s taking on the task to be ‘smart and wise,’ but also motivated by their values (whether you believe in God or not). It’s extremely powerful that Pharaoh put Joseph in charge of the future of Egypt because Pharaoh knew that with great power [and great values to support that power] comes great responsibility [and even greater results].

We are youth taking responsibility over our communities. No one gave this responsibility to us (technically), but because we are powered by our values, we are stronger than ever and more capable to do the good we aim to create in the world.