The story of Yosef Hatzadik also tells the story of the Jewish people learning how to live in galut (exile).  The commentators describe this instance of maaseh avot siman levanim (the actions of our forefathers foreshadow the lives of their descendants) as paving the way for how we, his ancestors, should navigate our own existence in the post exile world, living among the nations.  His conduct and character serve as an inspiration for us and we can learn from all that he did right, just as much as we can learn from all of his mistakes and missteps.  There is a Midrash that Gavriel Hamalach came to Yosef while he was in jail and taught him the 70 languages (Sotah 36b).  If we are to understand this Midrash in a more figurative way, it could mean that Gavriel taught Yosef how to take his message and translate it into a way that the other nations would understand without compromising the integrity of that message.   

As Jews, we are constantly trying to assert our relevance in and share our message with the world.  When translated thoughtfully and articulately, our message can make a Kiddush Hashem (sanctification of G-d’s name) and bring people closer to G-d and Torah.  But the message translated without thought can be destructive and create a terrible Chilul Hashem (desecration of G-d’s name).  The same talents and strength of spirit that drive us as Jews to succeed can bring us down as well.  The nations of the world seem keenly aware of when we misstep and falter.  Yosef experiences that same success as well as the scrutiny that comes along with it.

Yosef, as a role model, is driven by vision, truth, survival and pride, and made decisions considering diyukno shel aviv (the image of his father).  He understands that his role is essential yet the story playing out is so much bigger than him alone.  These are the qualities that have enabled Jews to rise up to such great levels of success after painful times of persecution, and yet perverted, these are the traits that have led us astray.

Knowing that we come from greatness gives us confidence but also responsibility.  We must keep building the equity of Torah for the next generation even in times of Torah scarcity so that we do not deplete the years of investments made by past generations in times of Torah abundance.  

Some Jews may leave Torah, exploring other passions and yet maintain a cultural identity, and manage not to destroy the fabric of the Jewish people. This only remains true as long as the investments of their ancestors continue to kick in dividends, and as long as many dedicated Jews are still investing.   When the Torah ‘economy’ is not good and we are not reinvesting dividends, we begin to consume principal until our spiritual balance falls into the red.  We have to look to the future with passion and confidence, yesh sachar lipeulatech … veyesh tikvah l’acharitech, there is a reward for your efforts and hope at the end (Yirmyahu 31:15). The future holds up hope; The past provides context, meaning and integrity. This is the message of Yosef and the message of Tisha Be’av.  One day it will celebrated as a chag (holiday).  That is an interesting thought but one day is not now, we might say. In truth, the fact that one day it will be a chag, actually informs the nature of how the day can and should wash over us.  It is the promise of a majestic future and the memory of a devastating and glorious past that entwine to create the day of Tisha Be’av, mourning and hoping all at the same time and in the same breath.