וישראל אהב את־יוסף מכל־בניו כי־בן־זקנים הוא לו ועשה לו כתנת פסים
Now Israel loved Joseph best of all his sons—he was his “child of old age”; and he had made him an ornamented tunic.

"These are the generations of Jacob: Joseph was seventeen years old," is a hidden treasure of Kabbalistic meaning that has intrigued scholars and mystics throughout history. This portion of the Torah contains a wealth of symbolism and spiritual teachings that shed light on the deepest mysteries of Kabbalah.

Firstly, the combination of initial Hebrew letters in this verse, Aleph, Tav, Yud, Yud, Bais, and Shin, adds up to the numerical value of 625. This enigmatic number leads us to a cosmic and spiritual mystery intertwined with the Parasha's narrative. It is believed that 625 is related to the desolation and drought of the "upper river," a phenomenon triggered by Joseph's sale by his brothers. This symbolism points to cosmic and spiritual changes brought about by Joseph's separation from his family.

Joseph's age, seventeen years old, also holds profound significance. The word "tov," meaning "good" in Hebrew, has a gematria of 17. This suggests that Joseph was intrinsically connected to the Sefirah Yesod, representing the "Tzaddik" or the righteous one. Yesod is the Sefirah that channels divine blessings into the material world, and Joseph embodied these qualities of goodness and justice. His presence in Jacob's family was a beacon of spiritual light.

Jacob's deep love for Joseph is manifested in the elaborate fine woolen tunic he gifts him. This tunic symbolizes a deep spiritual connection and Joseph's uniqueness among his brothers. The initial letters of this verse, Aleph, Tav, Yud, Yud, Bais, and Shin, also allude to other significant words in Jewish tradition, such as "Petachon" (interpreter), "Segaron" (sacrifice), "Yosef" (Joseph's name), and "Moshe" (Moses). These connections suggest an interconnection of righteous souls and events that transcend time and space.

The sale of Joseph by his brothers and his subsequent rise in Egypt are seen as part of a broader divine plan. Joseph represents the "upper river," which dries up as a result of his sale. This imagery symbolizes cosmic and spiritual changes that affect not only Joseph and his family but the universe as a whole. Kabbalah teaches us that even seemingly mundane events are intertwined with deeper spiritual forces.

The Parasha Vayeishev also immerses us in the story of Tamar and Judah, revealing reincarnations and spiritual rectifications. This demonstrates how individual actions are connected to broader spiritual processes and how divine providence works through history to achieve rectification and spiritual growth.

Furthermore, the Parasha explores the concept of the "three brains" in Kabbalah, associated with the Sefirot of Chochmah (wisdom), Binah (understanding), and Da'as (knowledge). These concepts are related to the spiritual anatomy of Zehr Anpin (the inner face) and represent divine aspects and fundamental spiritual processes. Each of these "brains" plays a crucial role in spiritual evolution and understanding of the soul.

The Parasha also addresses the idea of dreams and their interpretation. Dreams, as seen in the stories of Joseph and Pharaoh, are considered divine messages revealing hidden spiritual truths. Joseph's ability to interpret dreams becomes a significant tool in his rise to power in Egypt and his role in preserving the Jewish people.

Through the story of Joseph and other characters, offers profound teachings on justice, divine providence, reincarnation, dream interpretation, and the interconnection of souls. This story becomes an allegory of ethical and spiritual principles rooted in Kabbalah and the Zohar, demonstrating how biblical narratives can be interpreted on multiple levels, including historical, moral, and mystical. It invites us to delve into the rich tapestry of Kabbalah and explore the depths of Jewish spirituality as we unravel the mysteries of Vayeishev.