Making sense of the sedra: Vayeshev

A priest and a rabbi once had a discussion about their faith, each defending their beliefs. At one point, the priest stopped and said: “Rabbi, I know there is a rule in Judaism that you follow the majority opinion (quoting the Talmud based on Shemot 23:2). Since there are more people that follow my faith than yours, why don’t you follow our too?” To which the rabbi responded: “That rule applies when we aren’t sure, when there is doubt. When it comes to the fundamentals of my faith, however, there is not a shadow of doubt so this rule doesn’t apply.”

The minority vs the majority is a theme that we see clearly in the Chanukah story, where a handful of Jewish rebels give their everything to protect their religion. Despite the risks and the seemingly illogical decision to go out to battle with an army many times bigger than them, the Maccabees decide to forge ahead. In doing so, they protected the Jewish People and secured a Jewish future. We still live in their shadow.

A similar courage can be seen in this week’s parasha Vayeshev, when Reuven, Yaacov’s oldest son, speaks up during the 10 brothers’ attempt to kill Yosef. “Don’t kill him, throw him in the pit instead,” Reuven suggests [Bereishit 37:22]. Words that carried courage and consequently saved Yosef’s life. And again, who knows what would have happened to the Jewish people had Yosef not been alive and been a trailblazer in the land of Egypt? A minority voice against the majority, with long-lasting effects.

Over the past few weeks, we have seen marches and rallies through the streets of Britain, giving voice to what seems to be the majority opinion in the world: Israel is at fault for what is happening in the Middle East. Words like ‘apartheid’, ‘genocide’ and ‘war crimes’ have been thrown around to accuse Israel of the worst of evil. It is when I read the reports of these rallies, these options and accusations, that I want to tap into that Maccabee voice. The voice that says: yes, this may be the majority opinion, but it isn’t right and I will fight for my beliefs. Or, as the rabbi put it, when there is no shadow of doubt, we don’t follow the majority, we follow our principles.

Israel’s army may not be the army of the Maccabees, but it sure is an army standing up for its beliefs and for the morally correct cause, putting life before death time and time again. And just like back in those days, they are forging a way and making a positive impact of which the magnitude cannot even be seen yet.

May we find the courage to be that minority. To take the light, move away from shadows and stand up for our beliefs. Because despite the fact that we are a minority, we are a force to be reckoned with.