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Genesis 43:1 - Hunger tests faith's resilience.

Genesis 43:1 - בראשית 43:1

Hebrew Text

וְהָרָעָב כָּבֵד בָּאָרֶץ׃

English Translation

And the famine was severe in the land.

Transliteration

Vehara'av kaved ba'aretz

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהָרָעָ֖ב כָּבֵ֥ד בָּאָֽרֶץ׃
וְהָרָעָ֖ב כָּבֵ֥ד בָּאָֽרֶץ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse "וְהָרָעָב כָּבֵד בָּאָרֶץ" (And the famine was severe in the land) appears in Bereishit (Genesis) 43:1, describing the famine during the time of Yaakov and his sons. This famine was one of the tests and challenges faced by the family of Yaakov, ultimately leading to their descent to Egypt.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the word "כָּבֵד" (severe) implies that the famine was heavy and oppressive, not merely a temporary shortage. He cites the Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 91:5), which states that this famine was one of the ten great famines destined to occur in history, emphasizing its severity as a divinely ordained trial.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Maimonides), in Moreh Nevuchim (Guide for the Perplexed), discusses famines as part of divine providence, teaching that such events serve to awaken people to repentance and reliance on Hashem. The severity of this famine was a means to bring about the fulfillment of the prophecy given to Avraham (Bereishit 15:13) regarding the descent to Egypt.

Midrashic Interpretations

  • Bereishit Rabbah (91:5) notes that this famine affected not only Canaan but all surrounding lands, highlighting its unprecedented nature.
  • The Midrash also connects this famine to the sale of Yosef, suggesting it was part of a divine plan to reunite the brothers and set the stage for the Jewish people's eventual exodus from Egypt.

Halachic and Ethical Lessons

The severity of the famine underscores the importance of bitachon (trust in Hashem) and achdut (unity), as Yaakov's family had to rely on one another and on divine intervention to survive. The Talmud (Ta'anit 10b) teaches that famine is a call for introspection and tzedakah (charity), as material scarcity often reflects spiritual deficiencies.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'the famine was severe in the land' mean in Genesis 43:1?
A: This verse describes the intensity of the famine during the time of Yaakov (Jacob) and his sons. According to Rashi, the famine was so severe that it affected not only Egypt but also the surrounding lands, fulfilling Yosef's (Joseph's) earlier interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams (Genesis 41).
Q: Why is the severity of the famine mentioned in Genesis 43:1 important?
A: The severity highlights the dire situation that forced Yaakov's family to return to Egypt for food, setting the stage for the eventual reunion with Yosef. The Midrash teaches that this famine was part of Hashem's plan to bring Bnei Yisrael (the Children of Israel) down to Egypt, fulfilling the prophecy given to Avraham (Genesis 15:13).
Q: What lesson can we learn from the famine in Genesis 43:1?
A: The famine teaches us about hashgacha pratit (divine providence)—how seemingly difficult events are part of a larger plan. The Rambam explains that hardships can lead to greater purposes, as this famine ultimately led to the survival and growth of the Jewish people in Egypt before Yetziat Mitzrayim (the Exodus).
Q: How does the famine in Genesis 43:1 relate to challenges we face today?
A: Just as the famine tested Yaakov's family, we also face challenges that require emunah (faith) and bitachon (trust) in Hashem. The Talmud (Berachot 5a) teaches that difficulties can be opportunities for growth and teshuvah (repentance), reminding us to turn to Hashem in times of need.