[Avodah] how to reconcile

[Tal Moshe Zwecker]

Thanks for the welcome. I do off course realize that it is possible that 
they do not reconcile. However rather than assume that, (since the Kedushas 
Levi often quotes Rashi and Chazal and here fails to) I assume that he is 
not differing with their interpretation since he does not say that.

I am not sure I understand what you were trying to tell me though, the 
Rashi/Midrash Chazal imply the lesson here is: trust in Hashem rather than 
in human beings (I agree with you it is on some level a problem since we are 
often told we need to make an effort as you said some hishtadlus)

The KL implies the lesson is the same, trust in Hashem and do nothing.

However they go about it in different ways.

Rashi / Chazal according to the simple reading imply Yosef did something 
wrong and was punished for it.

KL implies Yosef did the right thing.

Perhaps it is just the KL using his famous trait/attribute of being dan 
lekaf zechus - giving others the benefit of the doubt and seeing the good 
side in people. In other words rather than imply and interpret Yosef's 
actions in a bad light perhaps he is davka learning it this way.

The KL does this often (limud zechus) for example with regards to Am Yisroel 
sleeping before Matan Torah he says they did so to rest up before the big 
event and with the Chet HaEgel (where Hashem says He will never forget it in 
each generation) KL learns this is a positive thing since it allows Hashem 
to compare each generation against that one, they were idol worshippers so 
no matter where we are we are doing better.

RRW its a nice reading of Rashi and the Midrash, thanks for the chidush, but 
simple peshat does imply it was a punishment. Though I like your explanation 
based on Abravanel.

Thanks for your help
Kol Tuv,
R' Tal Moshe Zwecker
Director Machon Be'er Mayim Chaim
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