The concept of the dream mentioned in the Torah about the seven years of plenty and the seven years of famine hints that even the strength of the evil forces only exists because the abundance is in exile and hidden. However, they have no power of their own, except for the life force given by HaShem. This is what is meant by "and they swallowed... but it was not known." It seemed as if they had their own power, but this is not the case. This was to show Pharaoh before the exile that even though Bnei Yisrael would be under his control, he still had no power against HaShem. In reality, it is written that "a new king arose who did not know Yosef," indicating that he had forgotten this concept as well.

The lesson from the story of the seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine is that one needs to prepare during the good times when holiness is revealed. One should firmly establish the enlightenment received during these times so that it sustains them during the bad times when holiness is hidden. As it says in Koheles (7:14), "In a time of good fortune, be good, and in a time of misfortune, reflect." This means that during good days, one should immerse themselves in the goodness to properly reflect and know how to act during bad days. Before any test, there is an enlightenment that teaches how to behave appropriately afterward. This might have been hinted to Yosef when he ruled over Egypt, suggesting he should prepare for the exile to come. Indeed, it is said in the Midrash that due to Yosef resisting Potiphar's wife, Bnei Yisrael were protected from forbidden relations in Egypt. Through the concept of Yosef, one can find light even in times of darkness. Similarly, the gate of the inner courtyard facing east, which is closed for six days and opened on Shabbos (Yechezkel 46:1), teaches that the initial energy for renewal is closed during the six working days. During these mundane days, the work is to find the internal spirituality. However, through Shabbos and Rosh Chodesh, when the gate is opened, one can find holiness even during the weekdays. The active tense "Yipoteach" implies that Shabbos and Rosh Chodesh are keys through which one can unlock inner spirituality during the week. This concept is embodied in Yosef, who guarded the covenant, indicating the internal part in everything sustained by Hashem. By guarding this point, especially on Shabbos, one can connect and nullify their existence, becoming closer to Hashem. This helps during the weekdays, enabling one to find the Shabbos point even then.

In the name of the Chidushei Harim, I heard regarding the mitzvah of lighting Chanukah candles by the entrance to one's house. This is comparable to the outer keys. This also provides protection for this world. Through fear of heaven, the internal spirituality is protected from being overly drawn into worldly matters through love.

We can learn from the Midrash on the verse "Hashem has found (matza) the guilt of your servants" that the word "matza" can also mean emptying, like emptying a barrel (Bereishis Rabbah 85:2). Even if someone cannot find any sin within themselves, and indeed there may be nothing apparent, as far as Hashem is concerned, there is certainly a sin. The brothers, who couldn't find any wrongdoing themselves, still acknowledged that Hashem found something. This was like emptying the last bit from the barrel. Despite this, they said, "How can we justify ourselves?" and could not lift their faces from shame. From this, we can learn how much more we should feel embarrassed before Hashem at all times.

The Midrash states that "He did not turn to the arrogant," referring to Yosef. It can be explained that since Yosef was deeply connected to HaShem, it seemed to him from the interpretation of the dream that he needed to ask the butler for help. Indeed, it was through the butler that he was eventually released from prison. However, because Yosef mistakenly added, "remember me," two more years were added to his imprisonment, and the butler did not remember him immediately. In contrast, someone who truly turns to the arrogant will have their desire fulfilled but will thereby sever their connection to HaShem.