A free account is required to play audio and download files.
No community start suggestion yet.
Why did Potiphar's wife pursue Yosef, and what does Rashi (רש"י) mean when he calls her actions "leshem shamayim"? The shiur argues she correctly saw in astrology that she and Yosef would have a child—an unchangeable decree for most people. But as a descendant of Avrohom, whom Hashem (ה׳) lifted above the stars, Yosef possessed the unique power to bend astrological fate, transforming the prediction into fulfillment through her daughter (Osnas) instead.
Rabbi Zweig opens by analyzing Rashi (רש"י)'s comment on the juxtaposition of the stories of Yehuda and Tamar with Yosef and Potiphar's wife. Rashi states that Potiphar's wife acted "leshem shamayim"—for the sake of heaven—because she saw in her astrological signs that she and Yosef would have a child together. Rashi seems to indicate that there were two possible interpretations of this vision: either she herself would have a child with Yosef, or Yosef would marry her daughter, making the child her grandchild and thus fulfilling the astrological prediction in a different way. The shiur then introduces a Midrash that connects Yosef's escape from Potiphar's wife to the merit of Avrohom Avinu. The Midrash states that when Hashem (ה׳) took Avrohom and lifted him above the stars, this gave Yosef the power to run out of the house. Rabbi Zweig asks: what is the connection? How does Avrohom's elevation above the stars give Yosef the strength to resist temptation?
Looking for the full summary?
Full access is available to members of the TUF Alumni Association or the Yam Hagadol Foundation.
Already a member? Let the admin know!
Bereishis 39 (Parshas Vayeishev) - Yosef and Potiphar's wife
Looking for the full transcript?
Full access is available to members of the TUF Alumni Association or the Yam Hagadol Foundation.
Already a member? Let the admin know!
Dedicate a Shiur in Parsha
L'ilui nishmas a loved one. In honor of a simcha or yahrzeit. As a zechus for a refuah sheleimah. Your dedication helps carry Rabbi Zweig's Torah to learners around the world.
Up Next in this Series
Why did Hashem cure all the sick, blind, deaf, and lame before Matan Torah? The Rambam teaches that miracles require purpose. This shiur argues that the mass healing demonstrated that Torah is not meant for the downtrodden seeking comfort, but for healthy people who can fully channel their energies toward mitzvos and serve as proper examples to their communities.
Why does the Aramaic word for "accept" (Kabbalah) also mean "complain"? The shiur develops a profound insight: genuine acceptance only emerges from overcoming resistance. Without internal challenge, an idea merely passes through us—true commitment is born only when we wrestle with, resist, and ultimately decide to embrace a principle.
Why did Moshe name his firstborn Gershom "ki ger hayisi b'eretz nochriah" when he grew up as Egyptian royalty? The Targum Yonasan reveals that "nochriah" means "lo ladidi"—a land not owned—echoing the Bris Bein HaBesarim's definition of galus. Moshe was declaring that despite his princely status in Egypt, he was a ger because it wasn't his land, thus sharing the full Jewish exile experience.
Why did the brothers hate Yosef when he received the kutonet pasim, yet strangers saw him as special? The kutonet represented Yaakov's recognition of Yosef's leadership ability—his power to uplift and unify. The brothers' jealousy blinded them; the Torah omits his name when they see him (just "oto"), but strangers always saw "Yosef." True chein comes from seeing others clearly, without the bias of our own needs.
Why did the materials for the Mishkan equal exactly what was needed with no waste, despite the principle that blessing doesn't rest on counted items? The shiur explains that Moshe's complete faithfulness—working solely for Hashem's agenda—transformed counting from an act of personal ownership into one that strengthened divine connection, thereby increasing blessings. Korach's self-interest inverted this principle, costing him everything.
Why does Rashi describe the Mishkan as "collateral" for Jewish sins? Rabbi Zweig develops the concept that God limited His own collection rights—accepting only the Mishkan's destruction rather than the nation's annihilation. This reflects the relationship of a father who reduces his own claims to ensure his children's survival.
Why does the Torah give a detailed accounting of silver and copper but not gold in Parshas Pekudei? The three metals represent three types of givers: those who give selflessly (gold), those seeking a two-way benefit (silver), and those buying honor (copper). The Midrash's three groups suspecting or praising Moshe reveal more about themselves than about Moshe—we judge others by our own standards.
