By Alex Bolotovsky, CEO of J Leaders
Parsha in a Nutshell
The portion opens with a high-stakes standoff. Joseph (still in disguise) has “framed” Benjamin for theft and demanded he stay as a slave. The other brothers are terrified. Years ago, these same men sold Joseph into slavery without a second thought.
But then Judah steps forward. He doesn’t offer excuses or plea-bargain. He offers himself. He tells the Egyptian Viceroy, “Take me instead.” He recognizes that his father’s survival depends on Benjamin’s return. By offering to become a slave so his brother can go free, Judah proves he is no longer the man who sold Joseph. This act of radical self-sacrifice is what finally causes Joseph to break his disguise, weep, and reunite the family.
Diving Deeper
Judah’s transformation is the blueprint for “The Lion of Judah” leadership style:
- Own the Legacy, Change the Future: Judah carries the guilt of the past, but he doesn’t let it paralyze him. He uses it as fuel to ensure history doesn’t repeat itself. Leaders don’t hide their track records; they iterate on them.
- The Power of Proximity: The Hebrew word Vayigash means “And he approached.” Leadership often requires “approaching” the conflict rather than managing it from a distance. Judah walked right up to the “Viceroy” to speak truth to power.
- Protecting the Vulnerable: Judah realized that his primary job wasn’t to “win” the argument, but to protect Benjamin and his father. A leader’s strength is measured by how they shield those who rely on them, especially when the stakes are personal.
You cannot lead a team forward if you are still protecting your ego regarding the past. Redemption in leadership happens the moment you prioritize the mission (the family’s survival) over your own security (your freedom).
Weekly Leadership Challenge
- Face the “Viceroy”: Identify a difficult conversation or a “closeness” you’ve been avoiding because it feels uncomfortable or confrontational.
- Offer a Substitute: Think of a project or a conflict where someone else is taking the heat. Ask yourself: “Can I step in and take responsibility here to move us toward a solution?”
- Break the Cycle: Identify one ‘standard operating procedure’ or habit in your team that is rooted in old baggage. Take the first step this week to propose a way to move past it.