In the V’al Hanisim part of the davening we mention “In the days of Matisyahu” and the family, but we don’t directly give them credit.  The same thing when Purim comes: “In the days of Mordechai and Esther,” but we don’t give them direct credit.  I think of them as ‘honorable mention,’ but the credit all goes to Hashem.

There are nisim in ordinary life.  The things we buy in stores involve many stages in production.  Daily products we use were unimaginable in prior generations.

In our daily brochos we say that Hashem clothes the naked; we are grateful to Him for everything, including our shoes.  That I was able to acquire such entities is only due to Hashem’s hashgacha.

This narrative is so clear in the story of Yoseif and his family.  Yaakov had sent Yoseif to watch his brothers.  Clearly, Yaakov Avinu did not imagine the degree of hatred that the brothers had for Yoseif.  But it was Hashem’s hand.  Yoseif became lost; a ‘man’ directed him.  This man, Rashi tells us, was the malach Gavriel.

They have turned, the man says.  Rashi explains, they have turned away from achva — brotherhood.

The Brisker Rav once explained:  The verses say, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” and “Don’t hate your brother in your heart.”  It never states “Love your brother.”

The logic is simple.  There’s no need to say “Love your brother.”  It’s a natural feeling between brothers.  However, if the achva is lost — the brotherhood, they no longer see themselves as brothers.  At the very least, says the Torah, don’t hate your brother!

Although Yoseif knew that there was danger in approaching his brothers, he followed his father’s instructions because of the mitzva of honoring parents.  But the hand of Hashem directed him through the malach.

Obviously, Paroh’s dreams, leading up to the release of Yoseif and his sudden elevation to high office are amazing miracles.

But we might not have thought that Yoseif’s dreams, which lead to such hatred and brutality, were miraculous.  In the end we see that they were.

Of course, man has choice over his actions, and will be held accountable for his deeds.  The brothers were deeply ashamed when Yoseif revealed himself.  Shame is as painful as death.  At the same time, Hashem is guiding everything.

This becomes very clear in the course of Yoseif’s words.  (Chap. 42 v. 4-8) “I am Yoseif whom you sold into Mitzraim…Don’t be depressed that you sold me here…because Hashem sent me before you for slavation… Hashem sent me before you to keep you alive… You did not send me here, rather Hashem…”