Yosef's Elevated Position
In this week's Parshah, Pharaoh appointed Yosef Hatzaddik as the Vizier of Egypt. The story of what transpired after he achieved this position is truly inspiring.
Yosef was the sole individual capable of accurately interpreting Pharaoh's dreams and devising a plan to save Egypt from the impending famine. Following this display of wisdom and insight, Pharaoh appointed him to the highest post in Egypt's royal court - the למלך משנה, the second in prominence to the king.
The ceremony marking Yosef's ascent to the position of Egypt's viceroy was nothing short of impressive. Pharaoh removed his own signet ring from his hand and placed it onto Yosef's, signifying his new position of power. Yosef was then dressed in fine linen robes and adorned with a gold chain around his neck. To heighten the grandeur of the occasion, Pharaoh had Yosef ride in his second-in-command's chariot while the people cried out "אברך!", an expression of reverence and royalty, to celebrate his appointment. With this, Yosef assumed control over all the land of Egypt, a role of immense responsibility and power.
As Yosef rode in the royal carriage, the streets were filled with enthusiastic people participating in the celebration. The Egyptian women crowded on the walls and rooftops, they cheered and tossed valuable gifts and jewels into Yosef's chariot, in the hopes of gaining the attention of the handsome young man ascending to become the new, all-powerful ruler of Egypt.
Utmost Resilience
Despite the temptations surrounding him, Yosef maintained his composure and never once raised his eyes. Given his circumstances, this was an immense challenge. He was a young man betrayed and rejected by his own family, stranded alone in a foreign land with no hope of returning to his homeland. With no one to talk to and no ties to the teachings and traditions of his father's home, he had the freedom to veer away from his father's path and follow his own.
There were so many people vying for his attention, ready to do anything for him. Would it have been so bad to throw a glance at his crowd of admirers? Many would have succumbed to a temptation like this one, but Yosef remained steadfast in his commitment to guard his eyes against anything contrary to the will of Hashem.
Yosef's resilience and unwavering determination to protect his kedusha elevated him to a very lofty level. So much so, that he is the only one among the Shevatim who's so often referred to as "Tzadik" by Chazal, indicating the great virtue he earned for guarding his sanctity.