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We are many times faced with challenges which seem hardfor us to overcome. When we are invited to places we shouldntbe, we often give in to peer pressure even though we know weshouldnt be there. When we are confronted with a business dealin which cheating the opposition will help us earn some extracash, we look for ways to justify ourselves. We almost feel likewe have no other choice. Its beyond our control! However, inthis weeks Parsha, Yosef HaTzadik shows us that we haveanother option- JUST SAY NO!

Yosef was a young man living in a foreign country miles awayfrom his family. His own brothers had sold him into slavery after

nearly killing him. Could you imagine the fear that heexperienced?! Yet, despite all his trials and tribulations, hedisplayed an enormous amount of self control. Eshet Potifar,the wife of a high ranking government official, constantlyapproached Yosef in order to fulfill her sinful desires. Yosef,however, persistently rejected her offers. One day, while no onewas around, she cornered him and grabbed his shirt. Even so,instead of giving in to her, Yosef once again refused. The incidentconcluded with Yosef running away as she tore his shirt off. Sheeventually used his shirt as evidence that he tried assaulting her,and he was then put in prison despite being completely innocentof the charges against him.

The commentators question why Yosef didnt grab his shirtback before exiting, thereby leaving her with no evidence! After all, he was a relatively strong manand getting his shirt back would not have been too difficult!

The answer given is one that can truly impact our lives. Yosef knew that had he stayed with her foreven a second longer he may have fallen for her trap. With this in mind, he decided to immediatelyrun out despite the fact he was leaving incriminating evidence behind.

The Sages tell us that true strength isnt in the body; rather it is in the mind. Deciding not to dosomething that is wrong while others are doing it shows more strength than any physicalaccomplishments. The next time we are faced with any situation which the Torah prohibits, we mustdo as Yosef did and say NO! We cant think about it for too long because the more we linger thegreater the chances of us stumbling. The key is to stick to the truth and act upon it as quickly aspossible.

This Weeks Issue of the

CHAZAQ Weeklyis Dedicated in

Loving Memory of

Yosef HaCohen ben Chevtzi

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