Two Minute Torah Podcast

Miketz 5772 by Rabbi Jerome M. Epstein

Most listening to or reading this message have sufficient food, adequate clothes and shelter to protect us. When we hear of those who are hungry or homeless, we may sense their pain, but cannot identify with them completely—simply because we do not share their condition. We have the necessities of life. As we read Parshat Miketz,,we are reminded of the terrible famine throughout the Mid-East during Joseph’s lifetime. His wise strategies saved many lives —including those of his family.

The Torah tells us, "And there was famine over all the face of the earth"

The Midrash (Genesis Rabbah 91:5) asks why the text does not simply state the famine was over all the earth. What does the word "Pnei" "face" add? Rabbi Samuel bar Nahmani said, "The famine began with the wealthy. When one is wealthy, he has a smiling FACE to show friends. { But, when one is poor, he is reluctant to show that FACE.} Usually famines impact the poor first because they have no savings or safety net. It is only later that those who originally had resources feel the real impact.

We are fortunate that the current economic crisis has not ravished our lives. Most of us identify with the pain of those who are suffering—but from a distance; with a sense of detachment. For, we are not them.

Let us imagine what our lives would be like were the economic crisis to have touched us first.

How would we want others to act toward us? What would we hope for from our Government? What would we expect from society? What would we pray for from friends?

And, now, what can we do to make a difference?

May the Torah portion of this week inspire us to do our part to improve the lives of others!