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Hello, from Israel once again :-) . I came back from New York, the Rebbe’s place, with new energy to continue studying and doing good things so that Mashiach will finally come!
Now let's continue with the Genesis saga with this week's Parasha, Vayigash.
Joseph is now the viceroy of Egypt. Because of the great famine, all the world is coming to Egypt to purchase food. Thanks to Joseph, who had interpreted Pharaoh’s dreams as the coming of a great famine, the Egyptians are the only one who have prepared accordingly.
Among the buyers are the brothers of Joseph. Those who had sold him as a slave many years ago… Joseph recognizes them and decides to test them in order to see if they regretted their action and if they have changed their behavior. He hides his precious silver cup inside Benjamin’s bag and then announces it has been stolen, and that people need to be searched. Of course, the cup is found is Benjamin’s bag, and Joseph declares that he will take him as a slave. He wants to see what his brothers will do, if they will care.
Judah resists. He begs Joseph to take him as a slave instead of Benjamin and argues: “I’m better than him in everything. I’m stronger, smarter, more experienced. Take me instead of him.”
Our Sages tell us that in the merit of this action, that he humiliated himself for the sake of his brother, Judah reward was that the Kings of Israel will come from his tribe.
But where exactly is the humility? Didn’t Judah proclaim that he was better, stronger and more worthy?
Human nature is that when we want to be selected for some important position, we will explain very well how we are better suited for it than others. Yet when it comes to a situation where someone needs to take responsibility, but no one wants to do it, we suddenly become the most humble people on earth: “I’m really not good enough, there are more talented others that are more suitable.”
Judah teaches us what real humility is. We need to take responsibility. Even if it requires a little bit of arrogance. Because what is important is the goal, not our ego.
Let’s think about it next time we will find ourselves in a situation that requires someone to take responsibility. Let’s not hide behind a fake modesty and say that others can better save the situation. Let’s utilize our abilities and talents to do the right thing.
Shabbat Shalom,
Hanna