Yehuda Emerges As Leader

In Parshat Vayigash Yehuda emerged as the leader of his brothers, with his impassioned plea to Yosef.

The Alshich described how Yehuda analyzed the situation. At first he thought that they were accused of stealing Yosef’s goblet as a punishment for their sin. But when Binyamin was chosen to pay for their crime, he realized it had nothing to do with their sin. Binyamin was not involved in the sale of Yosef.

He decided to explain how he personally took responsibility for his little brother. He was willing to sacrifice his share in the world to come, if he did not bring him back safely.

Yehuda even told Yosef that Yakov was upset for volunteering the information that they had another brother. Apparently, the part of the plea that moved Yosef to tears was when Yehuda explained how devastated Yakov would be if he came back without Binyamin.

Yehuda assessed the situation and figured out the strategy that would work. He hinted that he was not afraid to fight Yosef, if necessary. But he realized that his diplomacy could win him over. A true leader does what he has to do, to protect his people in the face of its numerous challenges. Yehuda met this challenge beautifully.