* Translated by Janine Muller Sherr
Yaakov and his family are confronted with a new challenge. As a result of the severe famine, they must leave the Land of Israel and move to Egypt.
The emotional meeting between Yaakov and Yosef in Egypt will mark the start of the exile. The family will experience many years of pain and suffering before they are redeemed from Egypt and can return to the Land of Israel.
Therefore, it is precisely at this critical moment that God appears to Yaakov and tells him: “Do not be afraid.” He reminds him that the challenge his family is about to face is part of the divine plan that will be repeated over the generations.
And then God makes another promise: “I will go down with you to Egypt and I will also bring you up.” When you go down, I will go down with you, and when you rise up, I will rise up with you.
This promise is made not only to Yaakov, but to the entire Jewish people for all the generations, wherever they may find themselves. God is with you—whether you feel distant or close, wherever you are and in all of your struggles.
May we always feel God’s presence, and may all His promises and prophecies come true for us. We look forward to hearing good news soon.
