("Let's table the discussion" is a new Adath Israel Shul initiative where a story or thought is presented in order to stimulate exciting and constructive discussion around our Shabbos table or among friends and children.) 

Automaker Henry Ford asked electrical genius Charlie

Steinmetz to build the generators for his factory. One

day the generators ground to a halt, and the

repairmen couldn't find the problem.  So Ford

called Steinmetz, who tinkered with the machines for a few hours and then threw the switch. The generators whirred to life--but Ford got a bill for $10,000 from Steinmetz.  Flabbergasted, the rather tightfisted car maker inquired why the bill was so high. 

Steinmetz's reply: For tinkering with the generators,

$10. For knowing where to tinker, $9,990.

Ford paid the bill. 

The Meforshim all wonder how it could be that Pharaoh was intrigued by Yosef’s

Ruach Elokim. It seems that Yosef’s advice was not only practical and wise, it

was divine. But why would Pharaoh, a man who worshipped many gods based on

his own whims, be interested and drawn to Yosef’s “spiritual side”? Why is it,

that the Ruach Elokim is what he presents to the members of his court in

deciding to appoint Yosef as viceroy?

Rav Baruch Mordechai Ezrachi explains that Pharaoh was drawn to the fact that

Yosef seemed genuinely interested in the betterment of Pharaoh’s predicament

and that of his people. His plan not only correctly interpreted the dream –

which was Yosef’s original duty – but also charted an economic course that was

going to allow Egypt to thrive in tough times. Knowing where and how Yosef got

to be the person he was, was important to Pharaoh.

Rav Yaakov Neiman adds that this is in sharp contrast to Pharaoh’s response to

Moshe to whom he declares “who is this Hashem that I am to listen to?” Pharaoh

fails at knowing Hashem and the rich life that knowing Hashem brings.

Knowing where Hashem exists in our lives can make our lives more enriched as well.

Where can YOU focus on Hashem’s involvement in

your life today that you didn’t see yesterday?

What practical steps can you take to bring more

awareness of Ruach Hashem into YOUR daily

activities?

How can you use the new awareness to make YOUR

life more enriched?

Let’s  “table” the discussion – by discussing it with our children, spouses, families and guests and open an exciting  discussion into our homes and community.