5786/2025
At the beginning of this week’s Parashah, the Torah describes Paroh’s dreams in great detail. Every element of the dreams carries significance, each teaching an important lesson. When Yosef concludes his interpretation, he explains why Paroh’s needed to experience two dreams rather than one.
He says:
“Ve’Al Hishanot HaChalom El Paroh Pa’amim Ki Nachon HaDavar Mei’Im Ha’Elokim U’Mimaheir Ha’Elokim La’asoto”, “As for the dream being repeated to Paroh twice, it signifies that the matter has been firmly decreed by God, and that God will soon bring it to pass” (BeReishit 41:32).
Yosef explains that the repetition of the dream indicates immediacy — the message would be realized without delay. There would not be a long gap between the dream and its fulfillment.
But this explanation raises an obvious question. When Yosef himself had two dreams, they certainly did not come true right away. Many long and difficult years passed before his dreams were fulfilled. How can Yosef claim that repeated dreams signify immediacy, when his own experience seems to contradict that idea?
What, then, is the difference between Paroh’s dreams and Yosef’s?
One possible answer is that “immediately” does not always mean “right away.” In Yosef’s case, the fulfillment of his dreams required preparation. He needed time to grow, mature, and learn from every stage of his life in order to become the leader he was destined to be. He had to endure betrayal by his brothers, slavery, imprisonment, success, failure, and success again — all shaping him into the ruler Hashem knew he could become.
For Yosef, the “right time” — the true meaning of “immediately” — was when Hashem knew he was ready. Only then could his dreams be fully realized. Paroh’s, on the other hand, did not need to undergo personal transformation. His dreams were about external events, and therefore they could unfold without delay.
This contrast offers a powerful lesson. Often, we think we know exactly when good things should happen in our lives. We set timelines for success and expect our efforts to pay off on our schedule. But the stories of Yosef and Paroh remind us that Hashem alone knows what is truly best for us. Growth takes time, and blessings arrive precisely when we are ready to receive them.
Our role is to continue striving, improving ourselves, and trusting that when the moment comes, it will be the perfect time.