The term Yehudi derives from Yehudah (Judah), a fact that raises an obvious question: why is the Jewish people identified with only one of the twelve tribes? An answer emerges from this week’s Parsha.

In Bereishis (Genesis) 49:8, the Torah states, “Yehudah, you will be acknowledged by your brothers.” Targum Yonasan explains that this acknowledgment was earned when Yehudah publicly admitted his wrongdoing in the incident with Tamar. Because Yehudah possessed the moral courage to acknowledge the truth, his brothers would ultimately identify with him – and his name would become theirs.

The willingness to admit fault is among the most demanding moral acts. Human nature resists such honesty; we instinctively justify our behavior and conceal our failures, especially from others. To confront our mistakes openly requires uncommon integrity and an overriding commitment to truth.

There are moments when what is right is not what is easy. To be a Yehudi is to inherit Yehudah’s legacy: the responsibility – and the capacity – to choose moral clarity over comfort, even when doing so is difficult.

Have a great week!

Rabbi Akiva Wasser