Parashat Miketz 5786
Who Is Afraid of the Evil Eye
Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, Rabbi of the Western Wall and Holy Sites
Parashat Miketz opens with an extraordinary encounter between two people who stand at completely opposite ends of reality: on one side is Pharaoh, the mighty king of Egypt, and opposite him stands Joseph, the youngest son of Jacob, who has been alone in Egypt for many years, including twelve harsh years of imprisonment.
And suddenly, there is a reversal. The door opens, Joseph is rushed out of prison, and he is brought before Pharaoh with great honor.
Pharaoh explains the situation to Joseph: I dreamed a dream that none of the wise men of Egypt can interpret. The chief butler told me that there is a Hebrew prisoner with a special ability to interpret dreams. The dreams of the chief butler indeed came true exactly as Joseph interpreted them. I, Pharaoh, expect you to reveal the meaning of my dream.
We can only imagine the tension and confusion Joseph must have felt at that moment. In a single instant he passes from the status of a forgotten prisoner to someone standing before the most powerful man in Egypt. In addition, he carries a heavy responsibility – interpreting the king’s dream. He knows very well that if he fails, the consequences could be severe.
Yet Joseph is not shaken. He is a person of deep and unwavering faith, and he stands before Pharaoh with confidence and humility. The Torah describes their first exchange as follows:
“Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘I dreamed a dream, and there is no one to interpret it. And I have heard it said about you that when you hear a dream, you can interpret it.’ Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, ‘It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace.’”
(Genesis 41:15–16)
A careful reading reveals something profound: Pharaoh skips all introductions and goes straight to the point – “I heard that you interpret dreams.” Joseph immediately replies: “It is not in me; God will answer.” He refuses to attribute any special power to himself. What is happening here?
Rabbi Chaim Yosef David Azulai, known as the Chida, explains what is unfolding behind the scenes. Pharaoh, the first explicit atheist in history, knew well that Joseph represented belief in the God of Israel. As someone who viewed himself as possessing divine power, it was difficult for him to depend on someone whose identity symbolized faith in God. Therefore, Pharaoh tries to separate Joseph from the true source of his abilities and attribute the power to Joseph alone. Even Pharaoh’s name hints to “peh ra” – an evil mouth – an attempt to cast an evil eye on Joseph through flattery and exaggerated praise.
Joseph recognizes the attempt instantly and nullifies it with two words: “It is not in me; G-d.” He returns the credit to the Creator and reconnects himself to the source of blessing.
The Babylonian Talmud (Bava Metzia 107b) teaches that many people in the world are affected by the evil eye, something many fear. The Talmud even says that ninety-nine percent of people die from the evil eye. Some believe the evil eye harms only those who believe in it, but it is certainly wise not to boast excessively, so as not to stir envy.
A common misconception is that the evil eye comes from those who dislike us. But the truth is the opposite: often it comes from those close to us, the ones who praise and elevate us. The explanation is not mystical: when a person becomes convinced that his success is solely the work of his own hands, he may disconnect himself from the spiritual source from which all blessing flows. Therefore, the appropriate response to every compliment is a simple word: “Thank you” and remembering that “everything is from Above.”
Joseph was the perfect model of this outlook. Our sages even offer advice (Berachot 55b): one who fears the evil eye should place his thumbs one upon the other and say, “I am of the seed of Joseph, over whom the evil eye has no power,” as it says:
“A charming son is Joseph, a son charming to the eye; [of the] women, [each one] strode along to see him.”
(Genesis 49:22)
When Joseph himself was appointed ruler of Egypt, he walked through the streets of the city in the first moments of his glory. Joseph was “handsome in form and appearance,” and now, after his sudden rise to greatness, the streets were full of people admiring him. The daughters of Egypt even threw flowers toward him as a gesture of honor and admiration.
Yet Joseph did not become confused or arrogant. With simplicity and humility he continued walking, whispering that everything was by the will of God and that this was the mission entrusted to him. Precisely in those moments, when many would be swept up by a sense of power, Joseph remained connected to the source of blessing. In this he became the spiritual force that resists the evil eye, nullifying Pharaoh’s intentions. For this reason, even today, in many communities, when people want to protect someone from the evil eye, they say: “Ben porat Yosef” – A charming son is Joseph.
In a world where everything is recorded, photographed, and publicized, where success is measured by numbers and exposure, it is very easy to be swept up by recognition. But someone who seeks true, stable, and lasting success must also know how to lower their profile in order to understand where blessing truly comes from, and to add to it a bit of humility and gratitude.
It is permissible and even desirable to succeed. But remembering the source and remaining humble is what makes all the difference.
Wishing you success, without the evil eye.
