Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did Yosef live in Egypt with his family?
A: Yosef lived in Egypt because he was appointed as a high-ranking official by Pharaoh after interpreting his dreams (Genesis 41:39-45). Later, due to a famine, his father Yaakov (Jacob) and the rest of the family moved to Egypt, where Yosef provided for them (Genesis 45:9-11). This was part of Hashem's plan, as foretold to Avraham (Genesis 15:13).
Q: Why does the Torah mention that Yosef lived 110 years?
A: The Torah notes Yosef's lifespan of 110 years because it holds significance in Jewish tradition. Rashi (on Genesis 50:26) explains that this was a complete and righteous lifespan. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 100:3) also connects it to the 110 years of Yehoyada the Kohen (II Chronicles 24:15), showing that righteous leaders are granted this lifespan as a blessing.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yosef living in Egypt with his family?
A: Yosef's life in Egypt teaches us about maintaining faith and Jewish identity even in exile. Despite rising to power in a foreign land, Yosef remained devoted to Hashem and ensured his family stayed connected to their heritage. The Rambam (Hilchos De'os 6:1) emphasizes that Jews must uphold Torah values even in non-Jewish environments, as Yosef did.
Q: Was Yosef buried in Egypt like the rest of his family?
A: No, Yosef was not buried in Egypt permanently. Before his death, he made the Israelites swear to take his bones with them when they would eventually leave Egypt (Genesis 50:25). This was fulfilled when Moshe (Moses) carried Yosef's remains during the Exodus (Exodus 13:19). The Talmud (Sotah 13a) explains that this showed Yosef's deep belief in the future redemption.
Q: Why is Yosef's settlement in Egypt important in Jewish history?
A: Yosef's settlement in Egypt marks the beginning of the Israelite's exile, which was foretold to Avraham (Genesis 15:13). However, it also set the stage for the eventual Exodus and receiving of the Torah. The Midrash (Tanchuma Vayigash 5) teaches that Hashem orchestrated these events to refine the Jewish people and prepare them for their divine mission.
The Significance of Yosef's Dwelling in Mitzrayim
Rashi (Bereshit 50:22) explains that the phrase "וַיֵּשֶׁב יוֹסֵף בְּמִצְרַיִם" ("And Yosef dwelt in Mitzrayim") emphasizes that Yosef maintained his righteousness even while living in Egypt, a land of moral corruption. Despite his high position as viceroy, he did not assimilate into Egyptian culture but remained steadfast in his Avodas Hashem (service of G-d). The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 86:5) further notes that Yosef's ability to thrive spiritually in exile foreshadowed the Jewish people's future resilience in the Diaspora.
Yosef's Lifespan of 110 Years
The verse states that Yosef lived 110 years. Ramban (Bereshit 50:26) observes that this number parallels the lifespan of Yehoshua bin Nun (Joshua 24:29), suggesting a connection between their roles as leaders who sustained Bnei Yisrael in challenging times. The Talmud (Sotah 13b) notes that Yosef's lifespan was ten years shorter than his father Yaakov (who lived 147 years), alluding to the ten years Yosef spent separated from his father due to his brothers' actions.
The Phrase "הוּא וּבֵית אָבִיו" ("He and His Father’s House")
Ibn Ezra (Bereshit 50:22) highlights that this phrase underscores Yosef's unity with his family despite their past conflicts. The Kli Yakar adds that "בֵית אָבִיו" refers not only to his brothers but also to the spiritual legacy of his father Yaakov, which Yosef upheld. This teaches that familial and spiritual bonds endure even in exile.
Lessons from Yosef’s Life in Egypt