One of the lessons of current events, especially and most recently Ariel Sharon’s sudden stroke, is how quickly things can change. Two weeks ago it was a given that Sharon would lead his new party to victory, established his new centrist party as the dominant political force in Israel. Now, people around the world are praying for the healing of Ariel ben Devorah. It seems certain at this point that even with a limited recovery, he will not return to the Prime Minister’s office.

As a result, the very existence of his new party could be threatened, if as few as one or two high-placed Kadima politicians return to the parties they left. I have never heard of a situation like this, where the dominant party three months before an election could simply dissolve over the next few weeks.

It is unlikely, of course, but possible — and a more likely possibility that Kadima will emerge far smaller than it seemed destined to be.

This is a lesson that our Sages learn from Yosef. He was an imprisoned Hebrew slave. He explained the dreams of Pharoah’s Wine Steward and Baker, but the Wine Steward forgot him. Then, two years later, they suddenly came and “rushed him out of prison,” gave him a shower, haircut, and a new set of clothes, and rushed him before Pharoah himself — to be appointed Viceroy over all Egypt.

We can make all the plans we want, but will never know the Divine Plan for us until it unfolds.