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What does "vayafek libo" mean when Yaakov hears Yosef is alive? The shiur explains that the brothers were not liars but "badai"—people who convinced themselves of their own false reality. This self-deception is why Yaakov couldn't believe them, and it's a warning against convincing ourselves we're serious in learning when we're really just playing around.
The shiur begins by examining the phrase "vayafek libo" from Parshas Vayigash, when Yaakov's brothers tell him that Yosef is alive. Rashi (רש"י) explains that Yaakov's heart "spoiled the taste"—he found their words unbelievable because "ki lo he'emin lahem"—he didn't believe them. Chazal say this teaches that even when a liar tells the truth, people don't believe him ("kach onsho shel badai"). Rabbi Zweig raises three difficulties with this Chazal. First, it seems overly simplistic—everyone knows the story of the boy who cried wolf. Second, why is this even called a "punishment" when it's obvious you won't believe someone who contradicts himself? Third, the case here is even more extreme: the brothers are essentially admitting they lied either the first time (when they implied Yosef was dead) or the second time (when they say he's alive), so of course Yaakov won't believe them.
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Parshas Vayigash (Bereishis 45:26)
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