The Tzaddik Is the Foundation of the World

A tzaddik is the foundation of the world (Yesod Olam). The Ramchal explains in Sefer HaKlalim that the quality of Yesod is that it funnels the abundance of the other sefiros. Hashem is overflowing with mercy (Chesed) and wisdom (Binah), and this abundance is directed through Yesod to its final destination, our physical level. A foundation is also well anchored. Because it carries energy between two forces, it is connected to both. The tzaddik is connected both to the spiritual world and to the material world, and he is a channel through which spiritual abundance is received in the material world. He therefore has deep roots and is not easily blown away. Yosef was a tzaddik because he funneled Hashem’s bounty: had he not been appointed viceroy, Mitzrayim would have wasted the seven years of plenty.