Bits of Torah Truths, Parashat Vayeshev, Choose Righteousness, do not Forget the Lord in Your Prosperity!

In this weeks reading from Parashat Vayeshev (Bereshit / Genesis 37:1-40:23) we learn that Jacob loved Joseph more than his brothers (37:3, וְיִשְֹרָאֵל אָהַב אֶת-יוֹסֵף מִכָּל-בָּנָיו).  Joseph had a dream about his future (37:5-10) as a result his brothers become jealous (37:11).  As the narrative continues, Joseph’s brothers plot murder in their hearts (37:18-22) and sell him into slavery to Ishmaelites (37:27-29).  Joseph is sold to Potiphar in Egypt where he chooses righteousness (וּצְדָקָה) and God prospers him.  He is falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife and then placed in jail (39:1-20).  Throughout the days of Joseph’s life he walked in righteousness (וּצְדָקָה) and in justice (מִשְׁפָּט) before the Lord, more so than his brothers.  Even though Joseph chose to walk in righteousness, trials come, and the Lord shows us how He prepared Joseph in the midst of trouble.  This week we are told that Yoseph was given the gift to interpret dreams and this gift was given to be used to help others.  When in prison, he helped the baker and the cupbearer to know the meaning of their dreams.  One was restored to his former office, and the other would die.  We read the concluding verses in Parashat Vayeshev stating that the interpretation that God had given Joseph came to pass exactly as Joseph had interpreted them.  Read more here:  BTT_Parashat Vayeshev-2012