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The Chofetz Chaim, zl, notes the vast power and lasting effects of every word that one speaks. Yaakov Avinu teaches us a profound lesson in the care one must exercise to guard every word that exits his mouth. We note that when Lavan accused Yaakov of stealing his terafim, idols, Yaakov countered by saying, “With whomever you shall find your gods, he shall not live” (Bereishis 31:32) The unintentional curse which Yaakov uttered had a disastrous effect. Rachel had actually taken the idols. As a result of this curse, Rachel died prematurely. When the brothers returned from Egypt, they recounted…

The two years refer to the additional two years Yosef remained in prison. Initially, Hashem decreed that Yosef would be imprisoned for ten years for “slandering” his ten brothers. Hashem, however, extended his incarceration, because he placed his trust in the wine steward. In addressing Yosef’s misplaced trust, the Midrash seems to be inconsistent. They cite a pasuk in Tehillim 40:5 which states, “Praiseworthy is the man who has made Hashem his trust.” Chazal interpret this to be a reference to Yosef, whose faith in the Almighty was unshakeable. Chazal interpret the second part of the pasuk, “And turned not…