My thanks to Rabbi Zvi Romm for the inspiration
Parshat Vayeshev (and Chanukah)
by Rabbi Avi Billet
When Yosef was confronted by the temptress, his master Potiphar’s wife, the Talmud says he was able to control himself and overcome her advances because he saw his father Yaakov's image appear "in the window." If an image popped into his head or mind, why did it specifically need to be seen in a window? The old cartoon method of having a conscience on the shoulder, countering the little red guy who is telling him to sin, might accomplish the same mission! Why the window?
Showing posts with label Potiphar. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Potiphar. Show all posts
Thursday, December 3, 2015
Thursday, December 2, 2010
The Kallah and the Shver
This can also be read in the Jewish Star (check out their new layout!)
Parshat Miketz
by Rabbi Avi Billet
Shortly after Yosef is given his new title, he is introduced to his new wife – Asenath bat Poti Phera, the priest of On. Paroh, King of Egypt was the shadchan.
As Yosef was not really given a chance to polish up his own shidduch resume (though "Viceroy" is pretty good "yichus"), or to check out his bride's before they wed, we may wonder what brought these two people together, other than their illustrious matchmaker? And who is this two-named individual (Poti Phera – see Sofrim 5:12, Yerushalmi Megillah Chapter 1, 1:9) who now becomes the father-in-law of the new viceroy of Egypt?
The classic interpretation is that Poti Phera is Potiphar, Yosef's former master. Midrash Rabba (86:3) says the word "Phera" means he pulled himself towards pagan idolatry. The gemara (Sotah 13b) says Potiphar's name was changed because he had become emasculated ("Phera" means his masculinity had been "removed," a divine punishment he received for having eyes for Yosef). Most commentaries follow the latter interpretation, quoting Rashi who takes the lead in this direction.
Parshat Miketz
by Rabbi Avi Billet
Shortly after Yosef is given his new title, he is introduced to his new wife – Asenath bat Poti Phera, the priest of On. Paroh, King of Egypt was the shadchan.
As Yosef was not really given a chance to polish up his own shidduch resume (though "Viceroy" is pretty good "yichus"), or to check out his bride's before they wed, we may wonder what brought these two people together, other than their illustrious matchmaker? And who is this two-named individual (Poti Phera – see Sofrim 5:12, Yerushalmi Megillah Chapter 1, 1:9) who now becomes the father-in-law of the new viceroy of Egypt?
The classic interpretation is that Poti Phera is Potiphar, Yosef's former master. Midrash Rabba (86:3) says the word "Phera" means he pulled himself towards pagan idolatry. The gemara (Sotah 13b) says Potiphar's name was changed because he had become emasculated ("Phera" means his masculinity had been "removed," a divine punishment he received for having eyes for Yosef). Most commentaries follow the latter interpretation, quoting Rashi who takes the lead in this direction.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Inspiring Righteousness
Parshat Vayeshev
Yosef "HaTzaddik" (the righteous) is a moniker unique to Yosef in all of Biblical history and Jewish folklore – others may be called righteous and may even have the term "tzaddik" used to describe them. But Yosef stands alone. Avraham is called "God's beloved." Yaakov is called the "Man of Truth." Moshe is called "Rabbenu" – our Master, our Teacher. None are known as "the tzaddik."
What makes Yosef unique is that when faced with the ultimate test, the ultimate challenge for a young, vigorous, hot-blooded male, he ran away, refused to succumb, and taught us a lesson for all time.
Yosef "HaTzaddik" (the righteous) is a moniker unique to Yosef in all of Biblical history and Jewish folklore – others may be called righteous and may even have the term "tzaddik" used to describe them. But Yosef stands alone. Avraham is called "God's beloved." Yaakov is called the "Man of Truth." Moshe is called "Rabbenu" – our Master, our Teacher. None are known as "the tzaddik."
What makes Yosef unique is that when faced with the ultimate test, the ultimate challenge for a young, vigorous, hot-blooded male, he ran away, refused to succumb, and taught us a lesson for all time.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)