Come Together, Right Now

Come Together, Right Now

The parashah opens with one word: Vayigash — and Yehuda drew close. Before arguments or explanations, there is closeness. The Torah teaches that when Am Yisrael is tested, the first response is not to explain ourselves or argue our case, but to come near — to one another.

Very little in Yehuda’s speech is new. Yosef already knows the family story, the pain, the regret. And yet, until this moment, he remains hidden behind his Egyptian role. The question is not what Yehuda says, but what he does.

At the end of Miketz, Yosef delivers his ruling: “The man in whose hand the goblet was found — he shall be my slave.” Every word isolates Binyamin — ha’ish, beyado. Alone. Condemned. Binyamin now stands frightened, facing a decree he does not deserve.

Then the Torah says, “Vayigash eilav Yehuda.” Yehuda goes to Binyamin. At his moment of greatest danger, he places himself at his side. He does not judge him, suspect him, or question what Binyamin may have done. He simply stands with him and identifies with him fully.

Yosef sees this. He sees a brother refusing to abandon another brother — something that was missing when he himself was sold. That act of achrayut, of standing with a vulnerable Jew without judgment, finally breaks Yosef. He can no longer remain hidden.

This is the message of Vayigash for our generation.

What happened in Eretz Yisrael on Simchat Torah, the 7th of October, was not only an Israeli tragedy. Jews elsewhere have suffered as well — including in Sydney, where a community was attacked, lives were lost, and many were injured. For them, it felt like their own October 7. And this is happening across the Jewish world.

At such a time, the Torah demands responsibility. This is not a moment for Jews to weaken other Jews in public or give strength to those who hate us. Words spoken against our people are quickly taken and used as fuel by antisemites. They do not hear nuance. They hear permission.

Vayigash teaches that when Jews are under threat, we begin with closeness. With loyalty. With standing together — even when we disagree. Even when there are differences among us.

This begins at home, with our families, our friends, our words, our actions. With not abandoning a Jew in danger. With standing close.

Let us intensify our efforts — to stand close, protect one another, and strengthen the unity of Am Yisrael in deed as well as in word.

It is time to lehitkarev — to draw near to one another, in loyalty, support, and solidarity.

Let us act together!