The effectiveness of any blessing depends on the spiritual level of the person giving it
“So Yaakov blessed Pharaoh and left Pharaoh’s presence.” (Bereishis 47:10)
It’s customary to bestow a blessing upon royalty before leaving their presence. Rashi says that Yaakov blessed Pharaoh that the waters of the Nile should rise when he approached the river.
Pharaoh eventually misused this brachah by deifying himself, saying, “I created myself and the Nile river.” Wasn’t Yaakov aware of this possibility? (Rabbi Dovid Hofstedter, Dorash Dovid)
When my oldest daughter got engaged, I had exactly eight weeks from the moment it became official until the night of the chasunah. Eight weeks of whirlwind appointments, errands, and most of all shopping. My credit card company did a major jig as I ran around from store to store.
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