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Yosef, the handsome, talented slave in Egypt, was the victim of sexual harassment, but according to many commentators, was also enticed by it. His master’s wife cornered him when people were away and almost succeeded in seducing him. According to one opinion of Chazal, he entered the house that fateful day with intentions to give in to her advances (see Rashi, Bereishit 39:11) and was able to overcome his temptation only when the vision of his father appeared to him. What merit brought about such unusual help, help that so many people need and so few get? Furthermore, where in the p’sukim did our Rabbis see Yaakov’s telepathic intervention?
Looking back at Yosef’s life, we see several factors that make Yosef deserving of Hashem and Yaakov’s help. First, they shared an unusually deep relationship, even for a father and son, which was fortified by joint Torah study. Yosef’s initial refusals were accompanied by invoking the concept of chillul Hashem that a moral lapse would cause ("and I shall sin to G-d" - Bereishit 39:9). Furthermore, he displayed proper halachic distancing, which are both practically and spiritually important in avoiding sin. "He did not listen to her to lie beside her or to be with her" (ibid.:10). The Ramban says that the latter phrase refers to avoiding discussions with her, which was important once he knew of the dangers. The Rashbam says that he was careful about the laws of yichud (a man and woman not being in a secluded place). When one tries his best, Hashem is more likely to help him avoid slipping.
Regarding textual hints, there are a couple of interesting possibilities. On "the day," the Torah reports that "none of the members of the household were in the house." Why doesn’t it say that no one was in the house but Potiphar’s wife? This may be a hint that, in some form, someone was in the house - Yaakov. We can also look for repeated uncommon words in the parasha. (Much is made of Yehuda’s saying "haker na" (please recognize) which Tamar later "threw back in his face.") In the story of Yosef, "vayema’en" (he refused) comes up twice. Yosef refused Potiphar’s wife’s propositions. But previously, it was Yaakov who "refused to be consoled" over Yosef’s disappearance and apparent death (ibid. 37:35), saying that he would "go down with his son." Cognitively, he said that he would go down to the grave. However, the connection he clung to with Yosef brought him down with Yosef to Egypt in the form of a vision. The loving father’s stubborn refusal to "move on with life" may have been enough to keep his son safe. Perhaps we could suggest, "he refused [and as a result he was] consoled."
May all who need extraordinary salvation for their loved ones be consoled as they pray and, if not, be consoled with other positive matters.
Various Rabbis
Various Rabbis including those of of Yeshivat Bet El, such as Rabbi Chaim Katz, Rabbi Binyamin Bamberger and Rabbi Yitzchak Greenblat and others.
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: A Crown and its Scepter – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 294-5
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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Shoftim TESHUVA IN COURT OF LAW?
Parshat Shoftim-Chodesh Elul
Why does parshat Shoftim always come out during Elul? This innovative and central explanation is an eye-opener regarding many aspects of Judaism.
The Month of Elul TESHUVA IS THE ANSWER
The month of Elul serves as a vital time for self-reflection and personal accountability to prepare for true repentance.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Re'e NEVER EXTREME EXCEPT ISRAEL
Parshat Re'eh
Judaism is against extremism, so how can we understand the seemingly extreme statements found in our sages in favor of living in the Land of Israel and against living in Chutz laAretz? The article deals with the seeming contradiction between the strength of Free-Will and the strength of being influenced by our surroundings.
Ekev DANCE FOR ISRAEL- FOR YOUR BENEFIT
Parshat Eikev
Description: The 7 Haftarot we read after Tisha B'Av ("Shiva D'Nichemta") surely get us excited that they're coming TRUE, and awaken us to yearn, dance & join the return to Zion! The short article also deals with the problems and solutions facing the American Jewish community as discussed at a recent panel, as well as the question why Jews come from America to Israel to help when we face problems, but Israelis don't come to aid Jews in America when they face anti-Semitism.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
D'varim Judaism’s Social Vision
Re’eh
Giving is more than an act of generosity—it is an essential part of human dignity that belongs to everyone, rich and poor alike. The ultimate goal of help is to empower others to stand on their own.
