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In this week’s Parshah, Mikeitz, we learn of a famine throughout the world. In Canaan[1], “Yaakov saw that they were selling grain in Mitzraim. He said to his sons, ‘Why do you appear satiated?'”
What was the meaning of Yaakov’s question, “why do you appear satiated?” Rashi explains that his problem was, “Why do you show yourselves before the sons of Yishmoel and the sons of Aisov as if you are satiated? For at that time, they still had grain.”
Yaakov was not concerned that the other nations would question why his children were satiated when everyone else was hungry. He was worried that it would appear to them as if his children were the only full ones. As Rashi writes, they did have grain, but they only had enough grain for that time. Why would Yaakov’s children make it appear that they were full when they did not have food for the future.
The explanation is that this indicates their total trust in Hashem. They were confident that Hashem would not abandon their holy father. Just as they had enough grain for now, so would they have in the future. Hashem would continue to take care of them. If they could not naturally have food, Hashem would give it to them miraculously.
It is natural to be concerned with “putting away something for a rainy day.” Unless one knows he has enough to eat tomorrow, he may feel hungry today. Absolute trust in Hashem, Bitachon precludes that feeling.
Emunah, belief, means that one believes that ultimately Hashem will help; in any case, everything He does is for good. Conversely, Bitachon implies that I know that Hashem is taking care of me now. With real Bitachon, one will never be hungry. He will feel satiated, which is how he will appear to others.
We must learn from Yaakov’s children, the Tribes of Israel, to have constant trust in Hashem. We must always know that he will not forsake us for even one second.
Have a great week, a wonderful Shabbos, and a very happy Chanukah!
Rabbi Shmuel Mendelsohn
Adapted from Likkutei Sichos Volume 30, p. 190 ff.
DEDICATED IN HONOR OF THE LUBAVITCHER REBBE
IN LOVING MEMORY OF
DR. MINDEL RIVKA (MURIEL) BAS REB MENACHEM MENDEL SHLOMO ע”ה STITT
PASSED AWAY ON SHABBAT PARSHAS LECH LECHA, 10 MAR-CHESHVAN, 5782
MAY HER SOUL BE BOUND IN THE ETERNAL BOND OF LIFE
IN HONOR OF
The Soldiers of Tzivos Hashem Chaim and Aiden Oded שיחיו Morris
DEDICATED BY THEIR PARENTS
Rabbi & Mrs. Menachem M. and Chaya Mushka שיחיו Morris
[1]. Our Parshah, Bereishis 42:1.
The Rebbe Teaches Rashi 