Mikeitz (Shabbat Chanukah): From Judah to Judah to Jews

Origin stories are complicated. Rarely is it a case of "just the facts, ma'am." Objective details (if there even really are such mythical things...) get conflated with
romanticized accounts, wishful thinking, hero worship, political agendas, religious motivations, and, and, and... This is true for the myths surrounding holidays, nations, superheroes, you name it. Take, for example, our history as Jews. When were we first called Jews? By whom? Did we see ourselves as a small clan, a growing tribe, a priestly order, an aspiring empire? Where did all this occur, and how did everything shift and morph into what we see today? So many questions, so few definitive answers. And anyone who tells you they "know" is probably selling something. Just smile politely and walk away...

I don't traffic in answers; you probably figured that out already. But I do enjoy me some challenging questions! This week, we see emerging a POSSIBLE explanation for why we're called "Jews," and, in fact, we even get two origin stories
to choose from! The Torah spends a surprising amount of time highlighting one of Jacob's sons, namely Joseph. I say this is surprising, because we are not descended from him. Joseph is NOT our ancestor! Over several consecutive Torah portions, we learn about Joseph's life, and the challenges he overcomes. Then, FINALLY, our knight in shining armor rides in. You see, Joseph is bitter. His brothers sold him into slavery, and now they come crawling down to Egypt, looking for food, totally unaware that the Egyptian Grand Vizier before them is their scorned sibling. Joseph lays a trap. He engineers a recreation of the exact circumstances that led to his abandonment. He gives extra food and attention to just one brother, Benjamin. Then he hides a goblet in Benjamin's backpack and accuses the whole group of stealing. When it is revealed that Benjamin is the "culprit," he gives the brothers an out, saying he'll free them and only imprison Benjamin, whom they probably don't care for anyway, because he's pampered, entitled, and (apparently) also a thief. Then, it happens.

Judah steps in. He's not the oldest brother, or the noblest, the strongest, the most pious, or most passionate.

But he puts his life on the line for his brother, makes a clear, confident, compassionate case for why he cannot abandon Benjamin in Egypt, and refuses to back down. Joseph crumbles. At long last, he finally sees that his brothers have grown, and they have matured as people (and as siblings) to protect one another. It is a proud and emotional scene for them all, but really it's a moment of triumph and leadership for Judah. This speech solidifies his role as the new patriarch. It emboldens his descendants to become a powerful tribe, and later to maintain the Ancient Temple and its priests within their territory. When the Northern Kingdom of Israel eventually falls, Judah is all that is left, and its inhabitants - the Judeans (or Jews) - become the sole bearers of this heritage. Voila; an origin story.

Earlier, I told you I'd be sharing TWO tales. You see, this weekend is also the end of Chanukah, which includes another famous Judah. This one is a Hasmonean, a militant fighter; Judah the Hammer, the Maccabee. Occasionally, someone will

ask me if THIS guy is the reason we're called Jews. Does HE represent our origin story?? Thankfully (in my opinion), the answer is no. If you read the Books of the Maccabees, you'll discover that Judah was a violent dude. A brilliant tactician, to be sure. An inspirational general and a fierce warrior. But can you build a nation on violence and fundamentalism? The Hasmoneans were radicals who would not tolerate secularism. We see that behavior around us in the world today... and we do NOT like it. Religious extremism is a very scary reality. It often begins with a well-intentioned, zealous, truth-seeking individual... but soon gets corrupted into ruthless, brutal intolerance. In short, all Judahs are not created equal. The opportunity to see both stories side-by-side, as we do this weekend, affords us the insight to consider our origin as a people and contemplate the actions and principles of our ancestors. And then, perhaps, to give thanks... and breathe a sigh of relief.


Images in this blog post:
1. CC image courtesy of pixabay
2. CC image courtesy of pixabay
3. CC image courtesy of Biscuit PNG on pngimp.com
4. CC image courtesy of Mount Pleasant Granary