This article was written by Yael Stochel, summer inchworm 2019
GrowTorah Core Value: Stewarding the Earth
Lesson Title: Salvation in Conservation
Pharaoh has a confusing dream with seven skinny cows eating seven fat cows, and Joseph is bought to interpret the meaning. Joseph tells Pharaoh of seven years of plenty and seven years of famine, and urges Pharaoh to plan accordingly. Pharaoh appoints Joseph as a minister and is in charge of planning for the famine. When the famine comes Joseph's brothers travel to Egypt to ask for food. What does Joseph do to responsibly plan for a famine? How can we plan to be environmentally sustainable?
(33) “Accordingly, let Pharaoh find a man of discernment and wisdom, and set him over the land of Egypt. (34) And let Pharaoh take steps to appoint overseers over the land, and organize the land of Egypt in the seven years of plenty. (35) Let all the food of these good years that are coming be gathered, and let the grain be collected under Pharaoh’s authority as food to be stored in the cities. (36) Let that food be a reserve for the land for the seven years of famine which will come upon the land of Egypt, so that the land may not perish in the famine.”
GUIDING QUESTIONS:
Based on his interpretation of Pharaoh's dream, what does Yosef recommend that Pharaoh do?
- plan accordingly and sustainably
How does this suggestion demonstrate astute management of natural resources?
- awareness, responsibility
GUIDING QUESTIONS:
How does Yosef mobilize Pharaoh to act for the good of the Egyptian people?
- use knowledge responsibly
- planning for famine
Living the Lesson
GUIDING QUESTIONS:
How can managing our own garden wisely also be used for the benefit of others?
- enough for ourselves and others
What actions can we take to take better care of the Earth's resources?
GrowTorah Core Value: Incubating Emunah
Lesson Title: Inspiration in Conservation
NEED TRANSLATION
GUIDING QUESTIONS:
How did Yosef help Pharaoh recognize Hashem?
- looking at all possible options
GUIDING QUESTIONS:
Just as Yosef recognized Hashem's role in his life and helped other to do so, how do we recognize Hashem's presence in our garden?
Living the Lesson
GUIDING QUESTIONS:
What is Hashem's role in providing us with the food that we eat every day?
- sunlight, water, growth, production