Parshat Mikeitz-Chanukah - Sincerity
by Rabbi Lobel

While Joseph was ruling Egypt, second only to Pharoah, he discovered his brothers had entered the country, seeking to buy grain during a widespread famine. Joseph then tested his brothers by holding Shimon as hostage until they returned with his full-brother, Benjamin.

When the brothers returned to Canaan, Jacob denied their requests to bring Benjamin to Egypt, even to free Shimon. Reuben then approached his father and said, “You may kill my two sons if I do not return him (Benjamin) back to you; place him in my care and I will return him to you.” (Genesis 42:37)

Jacob refused. Joseph was gone and he could not bear the pain if “disaster occurs” with Benjamin. (42:38)

When supply levels were dangerously low, Judah approached Jacob. “Send the lad (Benjamin) with me... so we will live and not die... I (Judah) will guarantee his return; from my hand you shall demand him. If he does not return standing before you then I will have sinned to you all of my days.” Genesis 43:8-9 {Rashi (43:9)interprets “all my days” to mean for eternity including this world and the World to Come}

Jacob relents and sends Benjamin under Judah’s care.

Why did Jacob relent after Judah’s request but remain steadfast by Reuben?

Rashi (1040 – 1105; Genesis 42:38) explains that Jacob said to himself, “This is a foolish firstborn; he offers to slay his children. Are they his children and not mine?”

At first glance, nobody could be willing to sacrifice more than Rebuen, the lives of his two sons, for Benjamin’s safety. Jacob, however, recognized it was a false promise because Reuben knew that Jacob would never demand the lives of his grandchildren. Judah, on the other hand, offered to forfeit his share of eternal heavenly reward, something neither he nor Jacob could later retract. Jacob, therefore, trusted Judah, but not Reuben, to do all in his power to safeguard Benjamin.

Conviction manifests itself in many aspects of our lives. From building relationships with our spouses and families to strengthening our Torah observance, our actions and words either demonstrate or betray our true feelings. Actions and desires may be sincere but true conviction requires the willingness to sacrifice.