You know, the one with the coat of many colors? We often focus on the coat, the betrayal by his brothers, but let's look at what happened after he was sold into slavery in Egypt.
He ends up in the house of Potiphar, an Egyptian official. Now, the biblical account tells us that God was with Joseph, and Potiphar recognized this. But the Legends of the Jews, that wonderful collection of rabbinic lore compiled by Louis Ginzberg, really fleshes out the details. It paints a picture of a man utterly convinced of Joseph's divine connection.
Potiphar wasn’t just casually observant; he actively tested Joseph. Imagine this: Potiphar asks for a glass of hippocras – a spiced wine. Then, on a whim, he says, "Actually, I'd prefer wine mixed with absinthe." And instantly, according to the legend, the spiced wine transforms into the bitter concoction he requested! Talk about a party trick.
The stories tell us that Potiphar realized that whatever he desired, Joseph seemed to be able to obtain it through divine intervention. Seeing this visible manifestation of the Shekinah – that divine presence – resting upon Joseph, Potiphar's attitude shifted dramatically. He entrusted Joseph with everything, holding back nothing except his own wife.
It’s a remarkable transformation. Potiphar declares, "This youth is not cut out for a slave's work; he is worthy of a prince's place!" So, he elevates Joseph's status, providing him with education in the arts and ensuring he received better food than the other slaves. This isn't just a master being kind to a slave; it's a recognition of inherent worth, a belief that Joseph was destined for something greater. This echoes the theme we find throughout Jewish tradition of recognizing the divine spark, the neshama, in every human being, regardless of their circumstances. Even in slavery, Joseph’s potential shone through, not just because of his inherent talents, but because of the divine favor he carried.
It makes you wonder: what if we saw the potential in everyone around us, even those in the most difficult situations? What kind of world would that create?