“Joseph’s life embodies the entire drama and paradox of human existence… his outer behavior never did justice to his authentic inner grace… The Midrash understands The Torah’s description of Joseph at the age of seventeen as a ‘young boy’ to indicate that he devoted much time to fixing his hair, grooming his eyes, and measuring his every step.

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Then, when Joseph rose to become the vizier of Egypt, he donned the persona of a charismatic statesman, a handsome, charming and powerful young leader, a skilled diplomat and a savvy politician with great ambition. It was not easy to realize that beneath these qualities lay a soul on fire with moral passion, a kindred spirit for whom the monotheistic legacy of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob remained the epicenter of his life; a heart overwhelmed with love toward G-d.

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When Joseph declared, ‘ am Joseph,’ says the Zohar, the brothers observed the divine light radiating from his countenance… Joseph’s words ‘I am Joseph’ were not merely a revelation of who he was, but also of what he was. For the first time in their lives, Joseph allowed his brothers to see what he really was.

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When Joseph cried out ‘I am Joseph,’ says the Midrash… The burning flame concealed for thirty-nine years within the coal, emerged in its full dazzling splendor.”