Stepping into the Breach (Vayigash)

The title of this Parshah alone—“Vayigash,” “and he came close”—holds everything. To understand its depth, we must revisit the story’s context.

Joseph, once his father’s favorite and then sold by his brothers into enslavement, now stands second in command of Egypt. His journey is a tapestry of highs and lows—from divine dreams to filial betrayal, from imprisonment to the pinnacle of power. Joseph has saved Egypt and the surrounding lands by interpreting Pharaoh’s dreams and managing seven years of plenty, ensuring sustenance during seven years of famine. Among those who eventually come seeking food are his brothers, who do not now recognize in this man the child they once sold into slavery.

Joseph tests his brothers to discern whether they’ve changed. The “new youngest brother,” Benjamin, is now Joseph’s only full-blood sibling. Joseph’s tests force his brothers to confront their past actions. The pivotal moment comes when Judah steps forward to plead for Benjamin’s life, showing a transformation from the brother who once colluded to sell Joseph to one willing to sacrifice himself for his family.

“Vayigash elav Yehuda—And Judah came close. (Gen. 44:18)” These words are seismic. Judah doesn’t approach with violence or entitlement but with vulnerability and courage. He understands that proximity is necessary for redemption. He steps into the breach, embodying a principle elegantly articulated by Bryan Stevenson: proximity is power.

Judah’s act changes the trajectory of his family and our understanding of what it means to show up. To show up is to stand near power, near pain, near possibility—to make ourselves vulnerable so we can truly make a difference. Judah’s nearness reminds us of the sacred necessity of closeness, especially in moments of crisis and need.

Today, we, too, are called to “come close”—to those who suffer, to those in need, to those who feel forgotten. As Jews, we have always known the power of nearness. Whether lobbying, lighting candles of solidarity, or marching in protest  for the release of our beloved hostages held now for 451 days of horror and darkness, we channel the lessons of Vayigash. But we cannot stop there. The Chanukah lights remind us not to shrink from goodness, not to shield ourselves from heavier mitzvot, not to evade the clarifying glow of what is right and necessary.

As we gaze upon the Channukah candles tonight, let their light remind us that we are the shamash, the helper candle, called to ignite others without diminishing ourselves. How will you show up today? How will you step into the breach for your family, for your people, for those crying out for justice?

The call is urgent: if not us, who? If not now, when?

May the light of our Channukah candles day guide us to amplify our efforts, to bring our family closer, to illuminate the path of redemption. Let us, like Judah, come close—with all our strength, with all our light, knowing that we must stand where we are most needed.