בראשית, פרק ל״ט, פסוק י״א

The climax of Joseph’s struggle arrives in a moment of absolute isolation, where he stands before an overwhelming and decisive temptation. There are two main perspectives regarding the timing of this event. Some view it as an entirely ordinary day, marking the continuation of relentless harassment that had persisted for a week, a month, or even a full year [שד״ל, בכור שור, אבן עזרא, רלב״ג]. However, the primary approach among commentators is that this was a rare and specific occasion. It was an Egyptian festival, likely a day of idol worship, a celebration of the rising Nile, or a theatrical event. While the rest of the household went out to celebrate, Potiphar's wife feigned illness, staying behind with the sole purpose of being alone with Joseph [רש״י, מלבי״ם, תורה תמימה, חזקוני, אם למקרא]. Certain interpretations even suggest the description of the day hints at the elevated waters of the flooding Nile or the high seating of the theater [הכתב והקבלה].

The central question is why Joseph would willingly walk into such a dangerous situation. A straightforward reading suggests he entered simply to fulfill his regular duties as the manager of the estate. This involved reviewing account books, organizing documents, or managing finances [אבן עזרא, רד״ק, רלב״ג, ריב״א, ברכת אשר]. This perspective praises Joseph, emphasizing that he harbored no hidden motives. Furthermore, it was the middle of the day, an unlikely time for illicit behavior. He was merely carrying out his professional responsibilities despite the obvious danger [הכתב והקבלה, חזקוני, צאינה וראינה]. In stark contrast, a bold Midrashic approach argues that the description of him doing his work is a euphemism. According to this view, Joseph walked into the house with the clear intention of yielding to her demands [רש״י, תורה תמימה, משכיל לדוד]. Many commentators clarify that this interpretation does not aim to condemn Joseph, but rather to magnify his incredible strength of character. The fact that his desires nearly overpowered him, yet he managed to conquer his intense passion and pull back at the very last second, represents the ultimate triumph of a righteous person facing an excruciating test [תורה תמימה, ריב״א, ברכת אשר, פרדס יוסף].

What ultimately caused Joseph to halt at the final moment? The narrative notes the complete absence of anyone else in the house. On a literal level, the building was entirely empty [ספורנו, מלבי״ם], or the other members of the household were simply outside in the courtyard [שד״ל]. However, the Midrashic perspective points out that the specific phrasing implies that while no household member was present, someone else actually was. At that critical juncture, the image of his father, Jacob, suddenly appeared before Joseph's eyes. This vision shocked him to his core, granting him the spiritual fortitude needed to escape the sin [הטור הארוך, שפתי חכמים, יריעות שלמה, מחוקקי יהודה]. Another unique interpretation suggests that at that moment, Joseph discovered he was physically incapable of committing the act, as his manhood was miraculously temporarily removed to protect him from the transgression [הדר זקנים, שפתי כהן].