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How did Yosef see his father's image when tested by Eishes Potiphar? The shiur argues that Yaakov's levayah—his act of accompanying Yosef—conveyed "I want to be with you," creating a spiritual bond. This connection gave Yosef the strength to resist, because he felt his father's presence throughout his trials.
The shiur explores the famous Midrash that when Yosef was tested by Eishes Potiphar, his hands became like metal "because of Abir Yaakov"—because he saw the image of his father, Yaakov Avinu. Rabbi Zweig asks a fundamental question: where did this image come from? Was it simply because Yaakov happened to be his father, or did Yaakov actively contribute to this protective vision? The answer lies in understanding the deeper meaning of levayah (accompaniment). Chazal tell us that Yaakov Avinu learned the parshah of Eglah Arufah with Yosef. The concept of Eglah Arufah teaches that accompanying someone sends the message "I am with you." The act of accompaniment expresses a desire to stay with the person as long as possible, and this gives the traveler tremendous strength. This is why, according to halacha (הלכה), if someone was later confronted by robbers, the fact that he had been accompanied would have provided him protection and strength.
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Parshas Vayechi, Bereishis 49:24 (Abir Yaakov)
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