Parsha discussion

Question:  What was the nature of the Egyptian dislike of shepherds? Note that the people give sheep to יוסף for food, so they must have owned some. Approach: it would seem that the dislike was specific to the profession, rather than the sheep themselves, or their ownership. Perhaps this is similar to the views of קין and הבל in terms of growing crops vs animals.

Question:  Why do the brothers “offer” such a harsh punishment for taking the goblet? Both to the messenger and to יוסף Approach: It could be that this was a standard punishment in Egypt at the time - with associates of a criminal becoming slaves of the ruler. We might also suggest that, initially, the harsh punishment is suggested because of their incredulity of the accusation, and their confidence that they are absolutely innocent. And once found out, they could hardly go back on their word, and were stuck with the suggested punishment, as unintended as it may have been.

Question:  Why are the two prisoners’ titles changed between המשקה / האופה and שר המשקים / שר האופים? Approach:  it would seem that the text flits between the professions of the individuals, and their positions within the Palace structure - with their professions mentioned only in respect to the reason that they found themselves in the בית הסהר, seemingly due to problems with the actual work (as also implied with the dreams that they had)

Question:  What is the relationship of the אלופי עשו at the very end of the פרשה with those mentioned earlier who are given the same title? We haven’t come across these names previously. Approach: it would seem that these were the אלופים at the end of the kingship period in שעיר, and perhaps shows some sort of "mixed marriages" between the nations of שעיר and חורי - being a contrast to the family of יעקב.

Question:  Why are there two meals at גלעד / יגר שהדותא? Approach:  The easiest way to understand things is that the first פסוק (מו) is a general summary, followed up by a detailed description of the מצבה and agreement, and the subsequent meal. So there was only one meal.