Sometimes our fortune in life changes suddenly. Things may be progressing well, when all of a sudden tragedy, loss or disappointment befalls us. Other times, we may find ourselves plodding along, enduring the challenges and difficulties of our lives when suddenly we find ourselves blessed by new opportunities, gifts, or relationships. It is true what is said that the only thing that is constant in life is change.
As we turn to a new book in the Torah this week, the book of Shemot(Exodus), we see that life changes quickly for our ancestors living in Egypt. Recall that things went well for them during Joseph’s reign as a political leader. He guided Egypt through years of famine, and when his family came from Canaan they were welcomed with open arms and settled in a choice area where they could live and thrive. Soon, we learn, “a new king arose over Egypt who did not know Joseph” (Exodus 1:8). Really? How could Joseph – and his leadership – be forgotten so easily? Rashi cites a Talmudic explanation: either there was actually a new king who was ignorant of history, or perhaps it was the same king who adopted a new perspective and chose to disregard the successful tenure of Joseph. In either case, Joseph’s family was in for a change.
Sometimes we elect to make changes in our lives; sometimes they are imposed on us. In the case of our ancestors in Egypt, the change was externally-motivated. The people were enslaved, they suffered, and they cried out in pain. There was a new king – or a king with new ideas – who had plans for the people, but there was a bigger plan off in the distance: God’s plan to bring the people out of Egypt and to the Promised Land. This plan, too, would be imposed upon them at first, but soon, they would become partners with God in the work of tikkun olam (repairing the world) by accepting the covenant at Mount Sinai. They – and we – would choose a destiny rooted in good values and a vision of optimism for the future.
We cannot control everything that happens to us, but we are not powerless to participate in shaping our destiny. When we focus on what is most important, we have a chance to make a difference. There will be hurdles and challenges, but there will also be opportunities and possibilities. Our job is to embrace the good and endure the bad, as Moses will teach us immediately before his death: “I have put before you life and death, blessing and curse. Choose life – if you and your offspring would live” (Deuteronomy 30:19).
The story of our people is a story of hope and promise. So may it be for us today.
Shabbat shalom.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment