Matzah, the bread of affliction, represents our humility and dependence on Hashem for sustenance. It is simple and unadorned, symbolizing our faith in Hashem as the ultimate provider of our needs. In contrast to the Egyptians’ decadent and indulgent bread, matzah reminds us of the importance of gratitude, moderation, and spiritual fulfillment.
As we delve into this week’s parsha and reflect on the significance of bread in the narrative, let us remember the lessons it teaches us about our relationship with Hashem and our values as a nation. Just as Yosef navigated the complexities of bread in his interactions with his brothers and the Egyptians, may we also strive to uphold our values and faith in the face of external pressures and influences.
Let us embrace the simplicity and meaning of matzah in our lives, and may it serve as a reminder of our connection to Hashem and our commitment to living a life of faith and righteousness.
May we always be grateful for the bread on our tables, recognizing it as a gift from Hashem and a symbol of His abundant blessings in our lives. And may we continue to strive for spiritual fulfillment and closeness to Hashem, following in the footsteps of our forefathers and upholding the values of our faith for generations to come.
Shabbat Shalom!
Regenerate
This is also the reasoning behind the subsequent prohibition of offering any Mincha offerings on the altar which contain sourdough or honey, the very symbols that Egypt flaunted.
Parshat HaShavua Trivia Question: For Yaakov and his family there was no shortage of food during the seven years of famine â Yaakov had millions of sheep. Why did he need to send his sons to Egypt to procure grains?
Answer to Last Weekâs Trivia Question: Even though Binyamin was not complicit in the sale of Yosef, did he know what happened to his brother? The Midrash Tanchuma (Vayeitzei 6) says that the stone of Binyamin on the Choshen is “Yashpeh” which, if split into two words, reads “Yesh Peh,” “there is a mouth.” Binyamin knew about the sale of Yosef but kept silent to not embarrass his brothers.