Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Genesis 41:30 mean?
A: Genesis 41:30 describes Pharaoh's dream, interpreted by Yosef (Joseph), predicting seven years of famine following seven years of plenty in Egypt. The verse emphasizes that the famine will be so severe that the previous years of abundance will be forgotten. This teaches about Hashem's providence and the importance of preparing for future challenges.
Q: Why is this verse important in the Torah?
A: This verse is important because it sets the stage for Yosef's rise to power in Egypt and the eventual descent of Yaakov's family to Egypt, leading to the Exodus. The Ramban explains that these events were part of Hashem's plan to fulfill the prophecy given to Avraham about his descendants being strangers in a land not theirs (Genesis 15:13).
Q: What lesson can we learn from the seven years of famine?
A: The Midrash teaches that the famine came to teach people to recognize Hashem's control over nature and sustenance. Additionally, Rashi notes that Yosef's wisdom in storing grain during plenty years shows the importance of hishtadlut (human effort) within divine providence. We learn to prepare during good times for potential difficult times ahead.
Q: How does this apply to our lives today?
A: The verse teaches us to be responsible with our resources, just as Yosef guided Egypt to store grain. The Talmud (Ta'anit 11a) derives from this that communities must appoint responsible leaders to manage resources for times of need. On a personal level, it reminds us to be grateful in times of plenty and trust in Hashem during challenges.
Q: Why did the years of plenty need to be forgotten?
A: Rashi explains that the phrase 'the plenty will be forgotten' means the famine will be so extreme that even when people had food stored, they would feel as if they had nothing. The Kli Yakar adds that this shows how suffering can make people forget previous blessings, teaching us to appreciate goodness when we have it.
Interpretation of the Verse
The verse (Bereshit 41:30) describes Pharaoh's dream, interpreted by Yosef, foretelling seven years of famine following seven years of plenty. This prophecy was a divine warning to prepare for the impending hardship.
Rashi's Commentary
Rashi explains that the phrase "וְנִשְׁכַּח כָּל־הַשָּׂבָע" ("all the plenty shall be forgotten") means that the years of famine will be so severe that people will forget the previous abundance. Even the stored grain from the years of plenty will seem insufficient due to the intensity of the hunger (Rashi on Bereshit 41:30).
Rambam's Perspective
Rambam (Hilchot Ta'anit 1:1-3) discusses how famine is one of the calamities that should prompt communal fasting and repentance. The seven years of famine in Egypt served as a test and a lesson in divine providence and human responsibility—highlighting Yosef's wisdom in storing grain during the years of plenty.
Midrashic Insights
Lessons from the Verse
The verse teaches the importance of foresight and preparation, as exemplified by Yosef's advice to Pharaoh. Additionally, it underscores the idea that hardships are often preceded by warnings, urging people to act with wisdom and trust in divine guidance.