In this week's parsha we read about Yosef Hatzdik. It is interesting to note that Yosef as a young man, was the favored son, so to speak, among his brothers. He enjoyed an elevated status in his family. His brothers though through him into a pit and then sold his as a slave. He was bought as a slave in Egpyt and he quickly became the head of his master's household. But his master's wife brought false accusations against him and he was thrown into prison. While in prison though he quickly became the head of the prisoners and was eventually elevated and finally freed becoming the viceroy of Egypt. Yosef is somewhat unique in the sense that his life and status was a bit of a rollercoaster. He had many dramatic ups and downs.

I believe part of the reason that we find this phenomenon with Yosef as opposed to many of the other personalities that we are taught about is because of Yosef's unique spiritual characteristics. Yosef is one of the only people that are referred to as HaTzadik "the righteous",  by our Sages. The verse teaches us that "seven times the Tzadik falls and he arises", it is the nature of the Tzadik to fall and get back up again.

We should all take strength from the attribute of Yosef HaTzadik and for each time we fall to rebuild once again.

Shabbat Shalom,

Heath