Vayigash

[Hart60]

Is it right to capitalise by selling food during a famine ?

Bereishit 41:55-57.

[martinbrody]

Is it right to capitalise by selling food during a famine ?

Bereishit 41:55-57.

Yes.
That's the basis of capitalism. Buy low, sell high.It was a very astute move by Joseph
However, impoverishing the populace, by getting them to sell their land to Pharaoh, which also appears to be part of Joseph's plan, does not seem a good idea!
Best,
Martin Brody

[Hart60]

Yes. That's the basis of capitalism. Buy low, sell high.It was a very astute move by Joseph

I agree under normal circumstances when one can take it or leave it,but during a famine when there's no choice ? isn't it like I'll save your life if you pay me for it ?

However, impoverishing the populace, by getting them to sell their land to Pharaoh, which also appears to be part of Joseph's plan, does not seem a good idea!

isn't that the first sort of Nationalisation in the Bible ?
Thanks Martin,
Dan.

[Kira]

It is right to make food available, and the prices have to reflect at least the supply if not also the demand.

The irony of Joseph turning the Egyptian populace into slaves is not coincidental.

I have heard, however, that what he was trying to do was protect his family, to future-proof their status as land-owners, if no one else owned land, and only the priesthood did, and the Jews in Goshen.

Still ironic.

-Kira

[Hart60]

Thanks Kira,that's interesting,I guess his family might have otherwise lost their Jewish identity and gradually merged into the Egyptian community.
I would imagine Joseph put some sort of welfare system in place during the famine for Egyptians with no money at all for food.