D'var Torah: "Quickly go up to my father and say to him, 'Your son Yoseph said: "HaShem has made me master of all Egypt'" (Bereisheis 45:9). Yaacov Avinu was an elderly sage, totally focused on spirituality. If so, why did Yoseph impress upon his father that he attained power in Egypt? Usually, when a person receives a new post, he says, "I got a new job." How much more so, if he is appointed to be a Prime Minister, he says, "The king appointed me to be Prime Minister." Whereas, Yoseph did not say, "Pharoah appointed me to be the Prime Minister." Instead, Yoseph said, "HaShem made me master of all Egypt." After all of the hardships that Yoseph suffered over thirteen years, and finally, instantaneously going from "darkness to light," Yoseph maintained perfect faith in HaShem! Now we understand the import of Yoseph's message to his father. Nothing would make Yaacov Avinu happier than knowing that Yoseph emerged from his troubles with perfect faith in HaShem, "HaShem made me the master of all Egypt."
Moral: Even though Yoseph's wisdom and interpretation of Pharaoh"s dreams greatly impressed Pharaoh, Yoseph did not take any credit for his success. Yoseph gave all the credit for his success and power to HaShem alone.
Application: Reflect on your activities of today. Strengthen your faith that HaShem is the source of all success. Take no credit for your accomplishment. Thank HaShem for your wisdom, energy, and successes.
(Based on Darchei Mussar of Rav Yaacov Neiman)The more a person
