True Leadership Ii
Throughout Jewish history, true Jewish leaders, followed in Judah’s footsteps and were prepared to give everything they possessed, both physical and spiritual, in the interests of every Jew.
Why did Judah Stand Up for Benjamin?
One of the most poignant narratives in the Torah is Judah’s approach to Joseph, when he pleads with, and subtly demands of, him to release Benjamin, who had been accused of stealing Joseph’s “magical” goblet.
Why did Judah take responsibility to plead for Benjamin more than all his other brothers?
Judah himself answered this question:
“Your servant has taken responsibility for the youth.”
He was referring to his promise to his father, in last week’s Torah portion, that he would return Benjamin. Judah went as far as saying that if he would fail to accomplish this he “will have sinned for all time.” Our sages comment that Judah meant that if he will fail he would forfeit his life in this world as well as his life in the next world!
Leader Prepared to Forfeit Everything for His People
Judah was the ancestor of King David, King Solomon and the entire Davidic dynasty of kings and leaders throughout Jewish history, up until and including Moshiach.
To appreciate Jewish leadership and what distinguishes it from other forms of leadership; we would do well to reflect on Judah’s action on behalf of his brother Benjamin.
Judah was prepared to forfeit everything for his brother. Not only was he prepared to give away his physical existence as many martyrs have done throughout history, but, he was even prepared to sacrifice his soul’s future - his share in the World to Come.
In Hebrew the term for self-sacrifice and martyrdom is “Mesiras Nefesh.” Technically, however, the world Mesiras Nefesh does not mean giving one’s life but giving one’s soul. It is a far greater sacrifice for a spiritual individual to forfeit his soul’s needs and wants than to surrender his life to G-d. Even this Judah was prepared to do.
Throughout Jewish history, true Jewish leaders, followed in Judah’s footsteps and were prepared to give everything they possessed, both physical and spiritual, in the interests of every Jew.
In other cultures and societies, there have been many dedicated and selfless leaders who gave life and limb for their people. What distinguished true Jewish leadership, as exemplified by Judah, was their desire to sacrifice everything – the physical and the spiritual – not only for the nation as a whole, but for every individual.
A Story of the Ba’al Shem Tov
A story is told of the Ba’al Shem Tov who was asked to intercede with prayer to save a certain Jewish community from annihilation at the hands of government inspired anti- Semitic attacks. The Ba’al Shem Tov traveled with his faithful disciples to that city where he prayed for their salvation. Indeed his prayers were heard by G-d and the terrible decree that hovered ominously over this community was rescinded.
The Ba’al Shem Tov was asked why he had made the arduous journey to pray for their welfare. Couldn’t he have prayed at home? Doesn’t G-d hear our prayers wherever we are?
The Ba’al Shem Tov answered that if he would have be successful in annulling the decree, that would be great. But, if G-d forbid, his prayers would not have succeeded, he wanted to perish with them… It was this degree of total self-sacrifice on behalf of every Jew that gave these great leaders their spiritual “clout.”
The Force that Annulled the Decree
The very fact that the Ba’al Shem Tov was willing to give everything away – his life, his disciples’ lives, his very movement and life’s work – for a remote and “insignificant” community, was the force that broke the otherwise sealed heavenly gates, and saved the Jewish community.
This explains why the Jewish religion believes that the ultimate Messianic age of Redemption will be ushered in by a human leader called Moshiach, who must be a descendent of King David, who traces his lineage back to Judah.
Moshiach’s Distinction
What will distinguish Moshiach from all other leaders is his absolute devotion to every single individual, in the tradition of Judah. Moreover, he will demonstrate that indeed every one of us is a Judah (actually the word Jew is a shortened version of the name Judah) who is prepared to give everything for the welfare of every other. By his example and inspiration, Moshiach will bring out the best in all of us, enabling us to unite in the spirit of Ahavas Yisrael to make the world a dwelling place for G-d.
From the book Light from the Future: Parshas Vayigash by Rabbi Heschel Greenberg, published by the Jewish Discovery Center.
