Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is happening in Genesis 39:13?
A: In Genesis 39:13, Yosef (Joseph) flees from the wife of Potiphar after she tries to seduce him. She grabs his garment, but he leaves it behind and runs outside to avoid sinning. This shows Yosef's righteousness and commitment to Hashem's laws, even in a difficult situation.
Q: Why did Yosef leave his garment behind?
A: Yosef left his garment behind because Potiphar's wife was holding onto it tightly as she tried to pull him toward her. According to Rashi and Midrashic sources, Yosef chose to flee rather than give in to temptation, even if it meant leaving his clothing behind. This teaches the importance of avoiding sin at all costs.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yosef's actions in this verse?
A: Yosef's actions teach us the importance of resisting temptation and fleeing from situations that could lead to sin. The Talmud (Sotah 36b) praises Yosef for his self-control and devotion to Hashem. This serves as a model for how we should act when faced with moral challenges.
Q: Why is this moment significant in Yosef's story?
A: This moment is significant because it demonstrates Yosef's moral strength and trust in Hashem, even when faced with great temptation. According to Rambam (Hilchot Issurei Biah 22:18), Yosef's refusal to sin despite the circumstances set the foundation for his future leadership in Egypt and his role in Jewish history.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: This verse reminds us to prioritize our spiritual integrity over temporary desires. Just as Yosef fled from sin, we must also distance ourselves from situations that could lead us astray. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 87:7) emphasizes that Yosef's merit in this moment protected future generations, showing that righteous choices have lasting impact.
Context of the Verse
This verse (Bereshit 39:12) describes the moment when Yosef (Joseph) fled from the advances of Potiphar's wife, leaving his garment in her hand. The incident is part of the larger narrative of Yosef's trials in Egypt and his unwavering commitment to righteousness despite temptation.
Rashi's Commentary
Rashi explains that Yosef's flight was not merely physical but also symbolic of his spiritual resistance. He notes that Yosef "fled outside" (וַיָּנָס הַחוּצָה) to avoid sin, demonstrating his moral strength. Rashi further emphasizes that Yosef's actions were in line with the principle of "fleeing from sin," as taught in Pirkei Avot (4:2): "Wherever immorality is found, the Shechinah departs."
Midrashic Insights
Rambam's Perspective
In Hilchot De'ot (2:2), Rambam discusses the importance of distancing oneself from situations that may lead to sin. Yosef's actions exemplify this principle, as he did not merely resist temptation but actively removed himself from the environment of sin. Rambam praises this as the ideal way to overcome the yetzer hara (evil inclination).
Symbolism of the Garment
Commentators like the Kli Yakar highlight that the garment represents externalities—worldly attachments—while Yosef's flight symbolizes prioritizing spiritual integrity over material concerns. The garment left behind serves as a metaphor for how one must sometimes abandon superficial things to preserve inner holiness.
Halachic Implications
The Gemara (Sotah 36b) derives from this episode that one must be willing to sacrifice even honor or possessions to avoid sin. Yosef's willingness to flee, despite potential repercussions, sets a precedent for the severity of avoiding immoral situations.