Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Genesis 49:8 mean when it says 'Yehuda, you are he whom your brethren shall praise'?
A: This verse is part of Yaakov's blessing to his son Yehuda before his passing. Rashi explains that Yehuda's name itself means 'praise,' as his brothers acknowledged his leadership and righteousness (particularly after he took responsibility for Binyamin in Egypt). The Sforno adds that Yehuda's descendants would become kings (like David and Mashiach), earning respect from the other tribes.
Q: Why does the verse mention Yehuda's hand on the neck of his enemies?
A: The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 99:8) connects this to Yehuda's strength in battle. Ramban explains that it symbolizes Yehuda's future military victories, particularly through King David, who defeated enemies like the Philistines. The 'neck' represents subduing opponents completely, as the neck is a vulnerable and controlling part of the body.
Q: How does Yehuda's blessing apply to Jewish life today?
A: The Talmud (Pesachim 119a) teaches that Yehuda's leadership role continues through the Jewish people's endurance. Today, we see this in the preservation of Torah values and Jewish identity despite exile. The verse also reminds us of the future redemption, as Mashiach will come from Yehuda's lineage (Rambam, Hilchos Melachim 11:4).
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yehuda being praised by his brothers?
A: Rashi emphasizes that Yehuda earned this praise through repentance (after the incident with Tamar) and taking responsibility. The Kli Yakar teaches that true leadership (like Yehuda's) comes from moral courage, not power. This teaches us that admitting mistakes and acting selflessly earns lasting respect.
Q: Why is Yehuda's blessing important in the Torah?
A: As the Ohr HaChaim explains, this blessing established Yehuda as the royal tribe, leading to King David and the future Mashiach. The Sages (Tanchuma Vayechi 10) note that Yehuda's name contains Hashem's four-letter Name (י-ה-ו-ה), showing his spiritual significance in Jewish destiny.
Explanation of the Verse
The verse "יְהוּדָה אַתָּה יוֹדוּךָ אַחֶיךָ יָדְךָ בְּעֹרֶף אֹיְבֶיךָ יִשְׁתַּחֲוּוּ לְךָ בְּנֵי אָבִיךָ" (Bereishit 49:8) is part of Yaakov Avinu's blessings to his sons before his passing. Here, Yaakov addresses Yehuda, foretelling his future leadership and the enduring strength of his tribe.
Rashi's Commentary
Rashi explains that the name "Yehuda" (יְהוּדָה) is derived from the root "להודות" (to acknowledge or praise), as Leah said upon his birth, "הַפַּעַם אוֹדֶה אֶת ה'" ("This time I will thank Hashem," Bereishit 29:35). Thus, Yaakov's blessing emphasizes that Yehuda's brothers will acknowledge and praise him ("יוֹדוּךָ אַחֶיךָ"), recognizing his leadership.
Leadership and Kingship
The phrase "יָדְךָ בְּעֹרֶף אֹיְבֶיךָ" ("your hand shall be on the neck of your enemies") signifies Yehuda's military strength and dominance over adversaries. Ramban (Nachmanides) elaborates that this foreshadows the Davidic dynasty, which would descend from Yehuda, establishing kingship in Israel and subduing enemies.
Midrashic Insights
Symbolism of the Neck
The "עֹרֶף" (neck) represents the point of vulnerability in an enemy, as turning one's back in retreat exposes the neck. Yehuda's ability to strike there signifies complete victory. The Talmud (Sotah 10a) also associates the neck with stubbornness, implying Yehuda's role in subduing rebellion.