Start your free trial today to unlock the full library with unlimited and uninterrupted access
Get StartedJoseph's... Groundhog Day?
Why Do The Events In Joseph’s Life Keep Repeating?
Parshat Vayeishev tells us a story about Joseph. There’s this drama between him and the other members of his household. It all comes to a climax when Joseph is stripped of his clothes – and his coat is brought to the head of the house and presented as false evidence. Oh, and Joseph is thrown into a bor, a pit. What story are we describing?
Easy, right? It’s the sale of Joseph… right? When the sons of Jacob gang up on poor Joseph and sell him into slavery. Wrong. It’s the replay of the sale of Joseph story. Oh, you didn’t know that there was a replay? Actually, there are three. And they’re all in Parshat Vayeishev.
What are these mysterious three stories? And what does it all mean? Why does this pivotal event from Joseph’s life keep replaying? Why is Joseph living in a Groundhog’s Day universe?
Watch more: "The ‘Scandalous’ Backstory of Boaz and Ruth."
Rabbi David Fohrman
Founder and Lead Scholar
Share
Gift
Download Transcript
Related Content
Popular on Aleph Beta
Trending Now
What is Aleph Beta?
Aleph Beta is a unique kind of Torah library. Led by our founder, Rabbi David Fohrman, we are dedicated to high-level, textual Torah learning for adults that is intellectually and spiritually sophisticated, that enlivens your Jewish practice and helps you forge a deeper connection to God. Whether you’ve been learning in yeshiva for years or you’re just beginning your Torah journey, you’re sure to find something meaningful and surprising waiting for you here.
Browse our library of over 1,000 beautifully produced animated videos, podcasts, deep dive courses, and printable guides. Topics include the weekly parsha, Jewish holidays & fast days, laws & mitzvot, prayers, relationships, big philosophical ideas and more. Have something to say at the Shabbos table that will amaze your family and guests and bring deep meaning into their lives.
