We know him for his dreams, his betrayal, and his rise to power in Egypt, but according to tradition, there was so much more to him.
Joseph earned the title "the God-fearing one"—an honorific he shared with only a few other luminaries like Abraham, Job, and Obadiah. Why? Because of his incredible kindness and generosity. According to Legends of the Jews, Joseph had a truly ayin tovah, a "good eye," a liberal spirit, in all his dealings. When he gave to his brothers, he gave abundantly. It wasn't just enough bread to stave off hunger; it was enough for the children to play with, to crumble as kids do (Ginzberg). Imagine that kind of overflowing generosity!
But Joseph's kindness wasn’t limited to his family. He was a provider for the entire world during the devastating years of famine. We can picture him, a shepherd to his flock, ensuring everyone had enough to eat. The Egyptians, it's said, initially hoarded grain, enraging the people. But Joseph? He made sure the grain was sold to all who came seeking it, and for this, he was blessed (Ginzberg).
Now, here's where it gets interesting. Joseph became incredibly wealthy through these sales, but the price increases weren't his doing; they were imposed by the Egyptians themselves. What did he do with all that wealth? According to the legends, he buried a vast treasure of gold, silver, and precious stones in four secret locations: near the Red Sea, on the banks of the Euphrates, and in two spots in the deserts near Persia and Media. Talk about a treasure hunt!
The story continues that Korah, a figure known for his rebellion against Moses, discovered one of these hiding places. Later, Antoninus, the Roman emperor, found another. But the remaining two? They remain lost, hidden by God, reserved for the righteous in the days of the Mashiach, the Messiah (Ginzberg). Imagine the reward awaiting the truly deserving!
As for the rest of his wealth, Joseph gave it away, partly to his brothers and their families, ensuring their prosperity, and partly to Pharaoh, who added it to his royal treasury. It's a fascinating picture: wealth earned, wealth shared, and wealth hidden away for a future, more righteous time. What would you do with that kind of abundance?
Joseph's story, as told in the Torah and amplified by the legends, isn't just about a man who rose to power. It's about a man who embodied generosity, kindness, and a deep sense of responsibility for others. It makes you wonder: what kind of legacy are we building? What treasures, both material and spiritual, are we leaving for the future?