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Genesis 46:28 - Judah leads to reconciliation

Genesis 46:28 - בראשית 46:28

Hebrew Text

וְאֶת־יְהוּדָה שָׁלַח לְפָנָיו אֶל־יוֹסֵף לְהוֹרֹת לְפָנָיו גֹּשְׁנָה וַיָּבֹאוּ אַרְצָה גֹּשֶׁן׃

English Translation

And he sent Yehuda before him to Yosef, to show the way before him to Goshen; and they came into the land of Goshen.

Transliteration

Ve'et-Yehuda shalach lefanav el-Yosef lehorot lefanav Goshena vayavo'u artza Goshen.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאֶת־יְהוּדָ֞ה שָׁלַ֤ח לְפָנָיו֙ אֶל־יוֹסֵ֔ף לְהוֹרֹ֥ת לְפָנָ֖יו גֹּ֑שְׁנָה וַיָּבֹ֖אוּ אַ֥רְצָה גֹּֽשֶׁן׃
וְאֶת־יְהוּדָ֞ה שָׁלַ֤ח לְפָנָיו֙ אֶל־יוֹסֵ֔ף לְהוֹרֹ֥ת לְפָנָ֖יו גֹּ֑שְׁנָה וַיָּבֹ֖אוּ אַ֥רְצָה גֹּֽשֶׁן׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Bereshit 46:28) explains that Yehuda was sent ahead of Yaakov to establish a beit Talmud (house of study) in Goshen before Yaakov's arrival. This demonstrates Yehuda's role as a leader who prepares the way spiritually, ensuring Torah study would continue in Egypt. Rashi also notes that the word להורת ("to show") is related to hora'ah (teaching), emphasizing Yehuda's mission to set up Torah instruction.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 95:3) elaborates that Yehuda was chosen for this task because of his strength and leadership qualities, as seen earlier in his confrontation with Yosef (Bereshit 44:18-34). The Midrash also connects this to Yehuda's future role as the progenitor of kingship in Israel, highlighting his responsibility to pave the way for the Jewish people's spiritual survival in exile.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Hilchot Talmud Torah 1:1-2) emphasizes the importance of establishing Torah institutions wherever Jews dwell. Yehuda's mission aligns with this principle, as setting up a center for Torah study in Goshen ensured the continuity of Jewish identity despite being in a foreign land. This foreshadows the Jewish people's ability to maintain their traditions even in diaspora.

Symbolism of Goshen

  • Physical Separation: Goshen was set apart from Egypt proper, allowing the Israelites to maintain distinct practices (Sforno, Bereshit 46:28).
  • Spiritual Preparation: The choice of Goshen as the initial settlement reflects the need for a transitional space where the family could acclimate without full immersion in Egyptian culture (Kli Yakar, Bereshit 46:28).

Leadership Lessons

Malbim (Bereshit 46:28) notes that Yehuda's proactive leadership model teaches the importance of preparing the ground—both physically and spiritually—before the arrival of the community. This mirrors the principle of hachnasat orchim (welcoming guests) on a national scale, ensuring the infrastructure for Torah and communal life was in place.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Yaakov send Yehuda ahead to Yosef in Goshen?
A: Rashi explains that Yehuda was sent ahead to prepare a place of Torah study (beit midrash) in Goshen before Yaakov and the family arrived. This shows the importance of establishing Torah learning even when settling in a new land.
Q: What is the significance of Goshen in this verse?
A: Goshen was the fertile region in Egypt where Pharaoh allowed Yaakov's family to settle. The Midrash teaches that it was set apart from the rest of Egypt to maintain the family's distinct identity and prevent assimilation into Egyptian culture.
Q: Why specifically Yehuda and not another brother?
A: The Talmud (Sotah 36b) notes that Yehuda was chosen because he had shown leadership qualities earlier (with Tamar and in dealing with Yosef). Additionally, as the ancestor of future kings (like David), he was suited to prepare the way spiritually.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yaakov sending Yehuda ahead?
A: The Rambam teaches that this shows the importance of proper preparation before major transitions. Just as Yaakov ensured spiritual infrastructure was ready, we should prioritize preparing Torah institutions when establishing new Jewish communities.
Q: How does this verse connect to Jewish life today?
A: Just as Yaakov's family maintained their identity in Goshen, Jews throughout history have established Torah centers in new lands. This verse teaches that Jewish continuity depends on prioritizing Torah study and community structure wherever we live.