Yehuda and Yosef

It is clear from the story of Yosef and his brothers, that the most dominant among them were Yehuda and Yosef.

Rav Kook saw the two of them as having a different perspective as to the role of the Jewish people. Yosef seemed focused on the ability to influence all those around him. He wanted to see the entire world rise to greater spiritual heights.

Yehuda, on the other hand, felt that the way to influence, must come from within. The budding Jewish nation needed to insulate itself and remain separate. They first needed to grow in this state on their own. It would become known of their uniqueness, and people would gravitate towards it.

We see these different approaches to Judaism today. Groups such as Chabad, are very much into outreach and making themselves available to the general public. Other Yeshivot have a similar philosophy. For example, Machon Meir has hired a large truck to be filled with all of the Shabbat needs. They would go to a community with numerous students, and share with them the sanctity of Shabbat.

Others have more of a Yehuda type of approach. They stay in their own neighborhoods and are careful to strictly follow all of the rules of the Torah. The outside world is fascinated to see such devotion, and they are drawn to them.

Each individual needs to decide for himself the type of approach that makes sense to him.

Just as Yehuda and Yosef acted with complete sincerity towards Hashem and the Jewish people, so must we. There are different avenues towards reaching the destination of complete service of Hashem. Whichever path we choose, it must be one that is completely for the sake of Heaven.