Israel Forever

For the week ending 27 December 2008 / 30 Kislev 5769

Surviving the Lean Years

by Rabbi Mendel Weinbach zt'l
Become a Supporter Library Library

As Israel and the entire world brace themselves for surviving the current financial crisis, it is worthwhile reflecting on what we learn in this week's Torah portion about the "seven lean years" which were destined for Egypt after seven years of prosperity.

The situations are of course quite different. Our generation did not have the benefit of a ruler's prophetic dream and an interpreter like Yosef. But perhaps there is one lesson we can learn from what happened then. Our Sages tell us that the famine in Egypt came to an end after only two years because of the merit of our Patriarch Yaakov who came there with his family.

Even if we cannot aspire to the spiritual power of a patriarch we can do our utmost to improve our ways and find favor in the eyes of Heaven so that we can survive lean years and enjoy prosperity in Israel forever.

© 1995-2024 Ohr Somayach International - All rights reserved.

Articles may be distributed to another person intact without prior permission. We also encourage you to include this material in other publications, such as synagogue or school newsletters. Hardcopy or electronic. However, we ask that you contact us beforehand for permission in advance at ohr@ohr.edu and credit for the source as Ohr Somayach Institutions www.ohr.edu

« Back to Israel Forever

Ohr Somayach International is a 501c3 not-for-profit corporation (letter on file) EIN 13-3503155 and your donation is tax deductable.