Parashat Vayigash: Judah, Repentance, and Leadership Through Responsibility | Rabbi Jonathan Sacks скачать в хорошем качестве

Parashat Vayigash: Judah, Repentance, and Leadership Through Responsibility | Rabbi Jonathan Sacks

Good afternoon! We continue our study of Rabbi Jonathan Sacks’ book Lessons in Leadership, where he explores the weekly Torah portions through the lens of leadership qualities and the life lessons of our forefathers. Today we focus on Parashat Vayigash. In this chapter, Rabbi Sacks analyzes one of the most powerful moments in the Torah—the turning point in the story of Joseph and his brothers. Joseph’s brothers come before him in Egypt without knowing that the powerful ruler standing before them is the very brother they once sought to kill and later sold into slavery. When a silver cup from the royal court is found in Benjamin’s bag, the situation reaches a dramatic climax. At this moment, Judah steps forward, and his speech changes everything. He speaks of his father’s pain, his fear of losing another son, and—most importantly—he takes moral responsibility for the past. His words express genuine remorse for what the brothers did to Joseph. The Sages teach: “In the place where those who repent stand, even the perfectly righteous cannot stand” (Berakhot 34b). Judah becomes the embodiment of this idea—not a flawless man, but a man who changes. Rabbi Sacks emphasizes that true leadership does not require moral perfection. Leadership requires the courage to admit mistakes, to learn from failure, and to grow. This is why the Davidic line—the lineage of King David—comes from Judah. David himself was not without sin, yet he became the model of repentance, humility, and moral strength. We see this pattern throughout the Torah. Moses initially hesitates at the burning bush, unsure of his abilities, yet he later becomes the greatest leader of the Jewish people. Leadership is not a fixed state—it is a journey of transformation. The story of Judah teaches us that failure does not disqualify a person from leadership. On the contrary, honest self-reflection, responsibility, and repentance can make a leader stronger, wiser, and more human. This lesson is especially relevant for modern leaders—in politics, business, and public life—who, like all of us, are imperfect and capable of growth.