Mikeitz parsha: Courage is acting even in uncertainty
Jacob hesitates to allow Benjamin, his youngest child, to return with his brothers to Egypt. Reuben, the eldest of the brothers, guarantees he’ll bring Benjamin home, proclaiming, “Let two of my sons be killed if I fail to bring him back to you” (Genesis 42:37). Jacob rejects Reuben’s offer.
In the end, Judah steps forward and declares, “If I do not bring [Benjamin] back to you…I will have sinned to you forever” (43:9). These words are accepted by Jacob. But one wonders why Jacob embraces the argument of Judah and not that of Reuben.
Nachmanides notes that Reuben impetuously makes his comment while there is still food left from their trip to Egypt. Judah waits until all the food is gone to make his plea. Nachmanides concludes that only after the food was gone would Jacob be ready (Nachmanides, Genesis 42:37). This teaches the importance of timing. What we say and what we do may be rejected at one moment but embraced at the next.
Another possibility is that the greatest consequence of doing wrong is to be constantly wracked by the sin itself. Jacob rejects Reuben’s argument because Reuben offers a discrete punishment should he fail. Judah, on the other hand, expresses that his punishment will be ever-present guilt in having sinned. In the words of Benamozegh, quoted by Nehama Leibowitz, “Sin itself is its own punishment.”
A final thought comes to mind. Reuben’s answer displays the assurance of one absolutely certain of success – so certain he offers the precious lives of two of his sons for punishment. Judah, on the other hand, recognizes the precariousness of the mission. He understands that he may not succeed. Hence, he argues, “If I fail, I will forever have sinned to you.” Jacob accepts Judah’s argument and not Reuben’s, for, often, the greatest success goes to one who understands the danger of the situation and realizes the very real possibility of not succeeding.
Notwithstanding his uncertainty, Judah has the courage to act. The real test of commitment is becoming involved even when the outcome is unknown. This impresses Jacob.
May we all be so courageous to act, even when we are uncertain of the result. And like Jacob, may we trust – with the help of God – that all will work out.
Candle lighting:
Mikeitz parsha
December 15 at 5:15 p.m.