Parshas Vayeishev- Yosef, A Man of Faith

When viewing the actions of our great ancestors through superficial lenses, we can easily miss the true significance of their deeds. With a deeper analysis, the greatness of our forbearers becomes more readily apparent.

Yosef, the beloved child of Yaakov, was sold by his brothers at the tender age of seventeen. He was disconnected from his family, land, and all familiarity. He arrived in Egypt, to serve as a slave to Potiphar. He worked diligently to fulfill his post. Following a year’s work, due to a false narrative perpetuated by the wife of his master, he was incarcerated. Yosef remained imprisoned for twelve years. At the age of thirty, he was removed from jail. He interpreted Pharaoh’s dreams, and was elevated to second in command of the powerful Egyptian kingdom. After seven years of plenty, and two years of famine, Yosef was reunited with his family. Throughout the entire ordeal, Yosef remained a tzaddik.

There is a theme that is repeatedly mentioned in regards to Yosef. Under his master Potiphar, the pasuk states that “Hashem was with Yosef, and he was successful… his master saw this and appointed him over his entire household…” (39:2-4). Rashi explains that the Name of Hashem was constantly in the mouth of Yosef. The Medresh (Tanchuma, Vayeishev 8) elaborates that when Yosef would enter to serve his master, he would whisper words of prayer. He would ask Hashem to help him succeed and find favor in Potiphar’s eyes. Unsure of what he was saying, Potiphar questioned Yosef. Yosef explained the nature of these murmurings. Seeing the unique success of the diligent Yosef, Potiphar gave him the keys and control of his household.

When incarcerated, a similar idea emerges. The verse states that “Hashem was with Yosef… and the warden placed all the prisoners in the hands of Yosef… and everything he did, Hashem caused to succeed” (39: 21-23).

Prior to interpreting Pharaoh’s dreams, Yosef insisted that his accomplishments would be with the help of Hashem (41:16). After doing so, Pharaoh remarked that there was no one like Yosef, containing the Spirit of Hashem (41:38). He then placed Yosef as the second in command.

There is a clear correlation between Yosef’s focus on Hashem, and the authority and power he received. In each instance, Yosef is said to have unprecedented success and positions of grandeur, after the verses state his awareness of Hashem. What would cause a master (Potiphar, the prison warden, Pharoah) to grant Yosef positions of power, when witnessing his belief in Hashem?

After interpreting the royal cupbearers dream, Yosef requested a favor. He knew that the sar hamashkim would be granted leave from prison, and asked if he could put in a good word about him, to secure his release (40:14-15). Rashi (40:23) states that due to this reliance on mankind, Yosef was punished to remain in prison for an additional two years. He should have had stronger faith in Hashem, that He would save him.

This idea is somewhat perplexing. Why is Yosef punished for attempting to alleviate, through natural means, a difficult situation?

The pesukim tell us that the Arab merchants who purchased Yosef were carrying pleasant smelling spices. Rashi (37:25) explains that this indicates the reward of the righteous. These merchants generally carried foul-smelling products. In order to prevent Yosef from being damaged by the regular merchandise, Hashem caused these vendors to be shipping spices that had a positive aroma.

Yosef was being sold as a slave. How is this minor benefit, in an otherwise terrible situation, considered the “reward of the righteous”?

The verses describe Yosef as incredibly handsome. He found tremendous success in Egypt and achieved positions of great power. He was young. Yosef was living in Egypt, the land that was categorized as “entrenched in immoralty” (Rashi 12:19). In addition, he was completely cut-off from any familial support system. How did he manage to remain the same righteous person throughout these events?

The Da’as Zekeinim m’Baalei Tosfos (39:2) explains a beautiful idea. The behaviors of Hashem are unlike that of mankind. People yearn to be close to those who are successful. However, when they lose their power, they are often disregarded. Hashem is not like this. He was with Yosef in his grandeur and lowlights. Hashem was with Yosef when he was sold as a slave and imprisoned. When he became the second in command of Egypt, Hashem was still with Yosef. Similarly, Yosef’s character was unlike that of the common man. A poor man may naturally fear Hashem. When becoming wealthy, that awe may tend to wane. However, Yosef feared Hashem when he was a lowly, impoverished slave, as well as when was granted authority over all of Egypt.

The secret to Yosef’s steadfast righteousness was a deeply rooted, unshakeable faith in Hashem. When a person has this emunah and bitachon, Hashem shows that he is guarding them. The Arab merchants were carrying spices to indicate that even in Yosef’s desperate state, Hashem was still with him. This is the reward of tzaddikim. Because he lived with a constant awareness and awe of Hashem, Hashem showed him that he was always involved. He had nothing to fear, regardless of the situation. One who has genuine faith in Hashem, generates a sense of trustworthiness. A G-dly person realizes that possessions belong to their owners. Thus, his masters naturally trusted the G-d fearing Yosef with authority and power. On the level Yosef achieved, a reliance on a mortal was deemed a breach in this emunah. Thus, he remained in prison for two additional years. Throughout the highlights and lowlights, his faith in Hashem was his saving grace.

In a world where Jews are unfortunately frequently viewed in a drastically different light, this message is of fundamental importance. Jewish people are meant to be G-dly. We are to be trustworthy. In doing so we become a genuine “light unto the nations” and sanctify the Name of Hashem.

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