By Rabbi Dovid Markel
This week’s parsha, describes Yosef’s meteoritic rise to power after languishing in an Egyptian prison for twelve years.
Instead of his lowly status, Pharaoh declares (Bereishit 41:40) “You shall be [appointed] over my household, and through your command all my people shall be nourished; only [with] the throne will I be greater than you.”
In mere moments Yosef is thrust from being a prisoner—who was inherently without identity—and transformed into veritably the most powerful man in the world.
While Yosef’s riveting tale from misery to ecstasy is always a fascinating read, as a part of the Torah it surely has a lesson in each of our lives. The instruction embedded in it is important to our personal identity as well as to the national identity as a people.
Ever since Yosef was a young boy he believed that he was special—destined for greatness. He dreamed that one day he’d be a king who even his brothers would submit to.
However, everyone scoffed at him. Yosef—the foolish na-ar—would be a king?! Indeed, they sabotaged his plans and were sure that his dreams were just that—fantasy.
From a realistic perspective as well, it was clear that his dreams would never be a king. For, rather than him being powerful, he was a lowly prisoner, veritably forgotten by all.
However, Yosef was never dejected—indeed it was his positivity that was the catalyst to change his fortune—and in moments he was transformed from the lowest positions to the highest.
In our personal lives we surely go through Yosef’s struggles. As children or young adults we have dreams to change the world, idealism, altruism and other noble goals; but then the realities of life hit us and we forget our dreams.
The lesson of Yosef is to hold on to those values and dreams; for if we continue on that pass it will eventually come to fruition.
The same is on a national level. From time immemorial the Jewish People’s national identity has been to declare itself special—chosen—with a central and exalted role in the G-d’s world.
However, it would seem that realistically, after thousands of years of exile, we should abandon the dream. After the unspeakable tragedies the Jewish People have endured over our bitter exile, can we really believe that we are special, unique or chosen?!
We need only look though at the story of Yosef. In a moment our story will surely change from the lowest of ranks to the ultimate redemption—which will happen speedily, Now!
