Parshas Vayeshev 5786
- Torah Tavlin
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
וימאן ויאמר אל אשת אדניו הן אדני לא ידע אתי מה בבית וכל אשר יש לו נתן בידי ... (לט-ח)
Potifar’s wife repeatedly attempted to make advances toward Yosef, yet he remained resolute. In a weak moment, he nearly faltered, but again, "וימאן", he held steadfast, and fled her home at the last moment. Yosef was handsome, alone in a foreign land, and abandoned by his family. From where did he draw such extraordinary strength?
Atop the word "וימאן" is the famous “shalsheles” trop, followed by a psik, a divider between words. This hints at two tactics used by Yosef. At first, he went with טעם, reasoning. He analyzed the sin and rationally concluded not to succumb. But when logic alone did not work, he went with the psik, representing a hard stop. There was just no way he was going to do this.
This level of resolve is above nature and comes from deep within the soul. How is this planted? Another instance of "וימאן" appears earlier in the parsha. When Yaakov is informed of Yosef’s supposed death, his family stood around trying to console him, but "וימאן להתנחם", he refused to be comforted. The Shem Mishmuel connects these two refusals. Yaakov believed in Yosef, his righteousness, his potential, and his future. Although Yosef played with his hair and his brothers brought reports of questionable behavior, Yaakov refused to surrender belief. And even now, when presented with evidence of Yosef’s death, Yaakov simply knew he could not be gone. When a parent believes so strongly in a child, that belief embeds itself in the child’s own heart, allowing the child to believe in himself. Yosef’s ability to refuse Potifar’s wife echoed Yaakov’s refusal to ever give up on him.
Regarding wicks used for the Menorah, any type may be used, even if it does not create a beautiful flame. Comparatively, for Shabbos, the wicks of the Shabbos candles must produce a nice flame. It is known that the light of the Menorah signifies the Torah. The Bnei Yissaschar learns that the wick represents man. As such, he derives from this, that any person, regardless of intellect, diligence, or stature, can connect to the Torah and light up the world with his learning. By believing in our children and ourselves, we all can be Marbeh K’vod Shamayim.