COURAGE

   How can one define the word 'Courage?'

How does one project a 'Courageous' image? Too often we do not understand the meaning of 'Courage'. I would like to clarify my definition of 'Courage.' I believe that "Courage is the strength to never to let your actions be influenced by fears."   Please understand that 'Courage' does not mean 'Not to be afraid or not to have any fears, for even the bravest have fears'. 'Courage' means, 'To let your sense of right lead you and not your sense of fear.' 

   Today, as we experience the turmoil in our society we need this type of 'Courage' to be able to survive and to be able to accomplish our goals in life.

   How meaningful is this idea as we read in this week's Torah reading of Vayigash regarding the meeting of Yehuda with his brother Yosef. The Torah states ויגש אליו יהודה and Yehudah approaches Yosef, the viceroy of Egypt, while everyone else is afraid to speak up, and all  the other brothers remain quiet, when injustice has been perpetrated Yehuda, and only Yehuda, acts with 'Courage' and steps forward to express his indignation over Yosef's action. It is so amazing that this is the same Yehudah, who only a short time ago, said," מה בצע, What's in it for me, what will we gain from selling Yosef?"  However, now his attitude has changed  and now he acts with 'Courage'. Now he steps forward to right  the wrong.  Now he becomes a leader for his family, and he does not fear to stand alone at this crucial hour. Yes, Yehuda's 'Courage' needs to be our motivating force to live lives of 'Courage', even when it demands that we stand alone in the face of the rest of the world. 

  Curiously enough, this self same idea was expressed by Yosef. When Yosef informed his father that he was alive, he sent a message which read,  "עוד יוסף חי, Yosef is alive and he is master over the land of Egypt."  I wonder why it was necessary for Yosef to add that not only was he alive but that he was the viceroy over Egypt? The answer is simple but profound.  Yes, Yosef said to his father Jacob, "Your son is master over Egypt and  not Egypt over your son." Yosef had retained his individuality and stepped forward with 'Courage' to show that he can stand alone and that his way of life is not determined by his environment. 

  What a powerful lesson we learn from the lives of Yehuda and Yosef. A lesson of what 'Courage' really means. 'Courage' is to be an individual. 'Courage' is  to stand for what is right in the face of wrong. 'Courage' is  to be a Jew with pride and with righteousness. 

    These are times that demand of us to become the Yosef's' and Yehuda's' of our time and to tell the world that not only do we exist  but we are also the rulers of our society. 

     Remember it takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.  

                                   שבת שלום