Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did Avram go to Egypt during the famine?
A: According to Rashi (Genesis 12:10), Avram went to Egypt because the famine in Canaan was severe ('כי־כבד הרעב בארץ'). The Torah teaches that even righteous people like Avram must take practical steps to survive, showing that faith doesn't mean ignoring natural solutions to problems.
Q: What can we learn from Avram leaving Canaan during hardship?
A: The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 40:2) explains that this episode teaches us that tests and challenges are part of life, even for righteous individuals like Avram. It shows that sometimes temporary relocation is necessary during difficult times, but one must maintain their values and connection to Hashem wherever they go.
Q: Why does the Torah mention this famine in Avram's story?
A: Ramban (Genesis 12:10) explains that this famine was the first of ten tests that Avraham faced in his life (as listed in Pirkei Avot 5:3). The Torah records it to show how even great people face challenges, and to teach us about proper response to difficulties while maintaining faith.
Q: How does this verse relate to Jewish history?
A: The Talmud (Bava Batra 91a) notes that this was the first of several famines mentioned in the Torah, establishing a pattern where our ancestors faced food shortages. This teaches that material challenges are part of the Jewish experience, and we must respond with wisdom and faith, as Avram did.
Q: What does 'to sojourn there' teach us about Avram's intentions?
A: Rashi explains that Avram only intended to stay temporarily ('לגור שם'), showing he viewed Egypt as a temporary solution, not a permanent home. This teaches that even when circumstances force us to relocate, we should maintain our ultimate goals and connection to our spiritual homeland.
Context of the Famine
The verse (Bereshit 12:10) describes a famine in the land of Canaan, prompting Avram to descend to Mitzrayim (Egypt). Rashi explains that this famine was a test from Hashem to challenge Avram's faith after he had just arrived in the promised land. The Ramban adds that this was one of the ten tests Avraham faced, as enumerated in Pirkei Avot (5:3). The severity of the famine ("כי־כבד הרעב בארץ") emphasizes the dire circumstances that forced Avram to leave.
Avram's Descent to Mitzrayim
Rashi notes that Avram did not initially question Hashem's promise despite the famine, but when it intensified, he temporarily left Canaan. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 40:2) suggests that this descent foreshadowed the future exile of Avram's descendants in Egypt. The Or HaChaim highlights that Avram went "לָגוּר שָׁם" (to sojourn there), indicating his intent was temporary, not permanent settlement, reflecting his unwavering commitment to Eretz Yisrael.
Spiritual Implications
Halachic Perspective
The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuva 5:4) cites this episode as an example of how tzaddikim may stumble in moments of pressure but ultimately grow from their challenges. The Talmud (Bava Batra 91a) also discusses the permissibility of leaving Eretz Yisrael during famine, derived from Avram's actions here, though later poskim emphasize the primacy of dwelling in the land whenever possible.